Juanita Sunderman Smith

Juanita Sunderman Smith, 87, passed away on July 29, 2017. Juanita was born in Stamps, AR. She went to Southern State College and married her college sweetheart, Harold C. Sunderman. They taught school in Arkansas for one year and then moved to Amarillo, TX, where they taught for several years. Subsequently, Harold obtained his Education Doctorate from the University of Colorado in Boulder, CO, and Juanita taught school there for two years. She often laughed and said she got a PHT (Pushing Hubby Through)!

They moved back to Texas, where they lived and taught in several towns, until settling in Denton, TX, in 1964. While Harold taught at the University of North Texas and Juanita taught second grade, they raised their two children. Following Harold’s death in 1980, Juanita continued teaching and later met Don Smith from Gladewater, TX. Juanita married Don, retired from teaching, and moved to Gladewater in 1983. Juanita would reside in Gladewater until Don’s passing in 2011. In 2014, Juanita moved to Albuquerque to be near her son, Harold. She resided at La Vida Llena, where Juanita made numerous friends.

Juanita is survived by her son, Harold Sunderman (Andrea); daughter, Cindy Sunderman (Dan Neese); grandchildren, Laurel and Bryant Sunderman, and Phillip and Collin Meyer; step-granddaughter, Shelby Neese; as well as her brother, Jerome Williams (Shirley); and her sister, Ann McKenzie. Juanita also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, and friends.

A Memorial Service will be held in Albuquerque on Wednesday, August 9, 2017, 2:00 p.m. in Carter Hall at La Vida Llena, 10501 Lagrima De Oro Rd. NE. A Graveside Memorial will be held in Denton, TX on Saturday, October 28, 2017.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the First United Methodist Church in Gladewater, TX, St. Stephen’s United Methodist Church in Albuquerque, or to the charity of your choice.