Juanita Brooks Dugger was born in the quaint town of Batesville, Mississippi, to Pearline and Wilson Brooks. As the eighth of 20 siblings, she grew up in a close-knit and loving blended family. Her faith journey began at Spring Hill Ace Baptist Church, where she cultivated her lifelong relationship with God. Her devotion deepened throughout her life, culminating in her cherished membership at New Sweet Home COGIC in Palo Alto under the guidance of Superintendent Pastor Albert Macklin.

Juanita graduated from Batesville Colored High School in 1953, balancing her studies with supporting her sharecropping parents. In 1954, she married Private First-Class James Alex Dugger, her true love. Together, they raised four resilient children—Brendia Pierre (Rev. Dr. H.L. Pierre), Terry Dugger (Neicie), Sylvia Chambers (Garland), and Gary Dugger—as well as a beloved bonus daughter, Katie Hearn. The family relocated to California in 1955, where Juanita’s role as a matriarch shone brightly. She attended 21 Blount Family Reunions, celebrating her family’s legacy and unity.

Professionally, Juanita’s career was diverse and impactful. She worked as a nanny, maid, janitor, entrepreneur, and lead cook. She co-owned Dugger’s Trucking, showcasing her business acumen and enterprising spirit. Later, she served as a lead cook at Kairos Unlimited, where she not only prepared meals for at-risk girls but also imparted wisdom and survival skills. Her Southern cooking, particularly her pound cake recipes, became a treasured family legacy passed down to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

On December 3, 2024, at the age of 88, Juanita passed peacefully in Oakland, surrounded by family and loved ones. She leaves behind a remarkable legacy of love, faith, and dedication. She was preceded in death by her parents, Wilson and Pearline Brooks; her husband, James Alex Dugger; and many siblings, including Peaches, Minnie Lee, Willie Lee, twins J.H. and B.H., Raymond, M.L., Wilson, Grady, Crawford, Vernistean, Belinda, and Ernest. Despite their loss, she cherished her role as a mother figure to her siblings, offering guidance and love throughout her life. Those who continue to celebrate her life include her siblings Ruby Lee (Alfred), Katie, Thelma (Robert), Jimmie, Gwendolyn (Carl), and King Cole (Sylvia). Her legacy is also carried forward by her 19 grandchildren—Jermaine Pierre (Constance), Chelsea Chambers, Amari Chambers, Maurice Neal, Hayley Chambers, Rev. Harold Levelle Pierre III (Jacoya), Tywonya Springs (Calvin), Aisha Dugger (Andre), A’Vonte Jackson (Lania), Alaze Jackson, Brea Dugger, Brent Chambers, Anthony Dugger (Mandy)—and 13 great-grandchildren, including Tywan Shungo Taylor, Tymir Taylor, Tyea Taylor, Leilani Darby, Lamar Murphy, D’Andre Darby, Marlo Simmone Pierre, De’Angelo Hudson, Lovay Levelle Pierre, Harold Levelle Pierre IV, Zhavia Pierre, Kyro Dugger, and Wolfgang Jackson.

Her cherished memories live on through her bonus daughters Sis. Lennie McQueen, Lady Evelyn Macklin, Mother Evans, Missionary Mellissa Billingsley, Sis. Sandra E, and Lillie Finister, along with her nieces, nephews, the Kairos girls and young ladies she mentored, and her Greater Victory Temple COGIC family. Mother Dugger’s family celebrates her life as one of unwavering love, grace, and faith. Her grandchildren recall her warm embrace and comforting meals, while her great-grandchildren carry forward her lessons of resilience and devotion. To all who knew her, Juanita’s life was a beacon of compassion and strength, leaving an indelible legacy that inspires her family and community.

Mother Dugger’s life was a testament to her unwavering love for God and family. Her memory will forever inspire those who were blessed to know her. Her family takes comfort in her favorite scripture and celebrates her legacy with gratitude and love. “This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.” (John 15:12).

“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.” 2 Timothy 4:7-8 (KJV)

Send to someone

Share this obituary with others

https://everloved.com/life-of/juanita-dugger/obituary/

Copy