Juanita Frances (née Blackwell) (McGee, Alford) Sanders went to rest in the arms of the Lord on September 10, 2024, at the age of 85. She was born on May 21, 1939, in Steubenville, Ohio.

Juanita was a classy, God-fearing woman and the true definition of elegance. At a young age, she sacrificed her educational journey to work and support her family, a testament to her character. With a spirit of tenacity, she later returned to complete her high school education as a single mother of four. She earned degrees from both Columbus Technical Institute and Columbus Business University, as well as a cosmetology license. In 2001, she received her Certificate for Evangelism for the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Juanita served as a board member of the Paul Lawrence Dunbar Center in Columbus, Ohio, and as President of the PTA at her children's school. Always ahead of her time, she worked her way up to become a producer and host of a local television show in Columbus called "Be Informed." Due to her numerous achievements, she was featured in Who's Who of American Business Women in 1986, alongside Oprah Winfrey. Additionally, she authored a book titled "How Can My Friend Not Know Me?" Many remember her for her entrepreneurial spirit and her great successes in independent sales.

Juanita was a devoted mother to her five children: Carnell Blackwell (Tammy), Kelly McGee, Kimberly Cruse (Mike), Keith McGee, and Herman Sanders, Jr. Her only daughter, Kimberly, shared a special bond with Juanita, dedicating countless hours to her care and ensuring that her mother always enjoyed warm meals during the holidays. Together, they cherished these special moments, never missing an opportunity to celebrate as a family. Juanita will be deeply missed by all who loved her.

She leaves behind brothers Benjamin and Philip Blackwell, sisters Dorothy Golden and Sarah Crayton, and many grandchildren. Juanita was preceded in death by her husband, Herman Sanders Sr; sons Keith McGee and Herman Sanders, Jr.; parents Harry Sr. and Dorothy Blackwell; brothers Richard, Henry, Steven, Frederick, Harry Jr., and Sherwin; and sister Gloria.

Juanita had a lifelong love for the Lord, and in her later years while living in Steubenville, she hosted many Bible studies in her home. Her favorite passage from the Bible is Psalms 91:

1. He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
   2. I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.
   3. Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence.
   4. He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.
   5. Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day;
   6. Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday.
   7. A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee.
   8. Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked.
   9. Because thou hast made the Lord, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation;
   10. There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling.
   11. For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.
   12. They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone.
   13. Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet.
   14. Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name.
   15. He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him.
   16. With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation.

In her words, "My prayer is that my loved ones will be saved. I want them all to go to heaven..."

Juanita will be remembered for her unconditional love for her family and friends and her desire for everyone to be saved.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, September 21, 2024, from noon until the time of Juanita's funeral service at 1:00 PM at the Gregory-Martin Chapel, located at 255 S. 7th Street in Steubenville, Ohio. Interment will follow at Union Cemetery. Please convey your condolences to the family through Juanita's online guestbook.