Juanita Jacqulyn James Howard Holland, lifelong resident of Gonzales, LA, a devoted mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, entered eternal rest at the age of 67 on December 11, 2024.

Born on July 4, 1957, in New Orleans, Louisiana, Juanita was the daughter of Felton James and Anna Lou Ricks James. She was one of five children, sharing a lifetime of love and cherished memories with Shirl McNeil (Leon), Donna Gail Howard (Melvin), Roddy James (Arleen) and Wayne James, and a special bond with her sister-friend, Bridget James Jones.

Juanita’s life was defined by kindness, faith, and LOVE. Her radiant smile and infectious laughter could brighten any room. Known for her compassionate heart, she lived by the motto “Eat, pray, laugh.” Juanita carried everything and everyone to the Lord in prayer, rooted in her deep faith and belief in the promise of Matthew 19:26: “With men this is impossible, BUT WITH GOD ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE.”

Her favorite color was blue, a reflection of the calm, peace, and depth she brought into the lives of those who knew her.

Juanita’s passions included gospel music, interior design, and the simple joys of coloring, shopping, and watching the Lifetime Movie Network. She loved collecting angels and spending time with her family. She was also a proud member of the Women of Grace Social Club and a devoted fan of Usher, Almond Joy, and Golden Corral.

A 1975 graduate of East Ascension High School, Juanita married Rodney “Rocky” Howard in 1977. Their union brought two daughters into her life: Christie Shawanna “Peppa Lou” Howard in 1975 and Keisha Shantel Clark in 1977. Juanita later pursued a career in caregiving, earning her credentials as a Certified Nursing Assistant and ward clerk, and worked in home health care for Healthcare Options.

In 1993, she welcomed a surprise, her youngest child, Narcisse Nariel “Noonie” Burchell. She married Rev. Albert “Bo Diddley” Holland in 1996, embracing her role as a First Lady, usher, and devoted homemaker. She served faithfully at Woodlawn and Wesley United Methodist Churches in Napoleonville, LA, until her husband’s retirement in 2012.

A woman of remarkable strength, Juanita was a survivor in every sense of the word, overcoming a brain aneurysm and stroke in 2007 and breast cancer in 2012. Guided by the teachings of Pastor Juanita Bynum, Pastor Shirley Caesar, and Pastor Joyce Meyer, she deepened her faith and joined I Walk by Faith Ministries, continuing her spiritual journey under Prophetess Deidre Carter.

Her greatest joy was her family, especially her grandchildren, whom she adored and spoiled with her LOVE and famous cooking. Juanita’s legacy of faith, resilience, and unconditional LOVE will live on.

Juanita is preceded in death by her beloved daughter, Christie Shawanna “Peppa Lou” Howard, her ex-husband Rodney “Rocky” Howard, husband Rev. Albert “Bo Diddley” Holland, and her parents, Felton James and Anna Lou Ricks.

She is survived by her daughters; her son-in-laws, Jimel Clark and Jordan Burchell; her grandchildren, Lexi Howard, Jimaya Clark, Cassius “Cash” Tillman, and Ari Burchell; her goddaughter, Essence “Essie B” Brown, her brothers and sisters in-love, Gilbert Howard and Elverina Howard Clark (Jeffery), Cleveland Holland (Beatrice), James Holland (Amanda), her siblings; and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.

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