Juanita Wilson
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Juanita's obituary
Juanita Hawkins was born on August 4, 1945, in Pell City, AL. She was the third child born to the late Mr. and Mrs. Robert and Rosa (Jordan) Dobbins. She accepted Jesus Christ into her life at an early age and was baptized at New Bethel Baptist Church in Birmingham, AL.
She attended public schools in Brighton, AL, and graduated from Brighton High School in 1962. At the young age of 17, she moved to New York to pursue a career opportunity and provide support to her family back in Bessemer, AL.
Juanita loved her career at the New York Telephone Company (now Verizon), where she worked for over 36 years. She was a dedicated operator, known for her compassion, creativity, and warm personality. She retired early in 1994 but continued cherishing the friendships she made throughout her career. She also had a passion for selling Avon, earning her the beloved title of "The Avon Lady" on Long Island. Her love for Avon spanned over 50 years until her passing.
On December 16, 1978, she married the love of her life, Horace Waverly Wilson Jr. and they shared over 24 years of marriage until his passing on October 15, 2002. To this union two children were born, Horace Waverly Wilson III and Tasha Renee Wilson Carrillo.
Juanita joined the Mt. Sinai Baptist Church in the late 70’s under the leadership of the late Rev. Dr. Arthur L. Mackey Sr. Juanita served in many capacities at Mt Sinai. The Gospel Chorus, Voices of Mt. Sinai (past president), First ladies day (past president), she was a strong supporter of the prince and princess parade by the Women's Day Ministry, Pastor’s Aide (past president), and Church Anniversary Committee. In addition to those tasks, she was passionate about planning events and fundraising for the church, local school PTA, and the hempstead community. She was well known for her deviled eggs, banana pudding, lasagna, and fish fry’s which became favorites at annual church events. Juanita organized a ladies group of friends and family known as the Ladies of Inspiration and they planned events to help families in the community.
Whether organizing church programs, coordinating community outreach, or leading fundraising efforts, she dedicated herself to serving others and making a meaningful impact.
Juanita found joy in bowling, watching sports, traveling, and most of all, spending time with family and friends—especially spoiling her grandchildren.
Juanita is preceded in death by her parents, her beloved husband, and her brothers James Dobbins, John Hawkins, and Robert Dobbins Jr.; as well as her sister, Nettie Hawkins.
On March 8, 2025, Juanita transitioned to be with the Lord, leaving to cherish her legacy and memory, her son, Horace Wilson III of Hempstead, NY; her daughter, Tasha Renee Carrillo (Enrique Carrillo of San Diego, CA); her sisters, Roberta Pyatt (Wade Pyatt of East Islip, NY), and Christine Acoff (Tommy Acoff of Bessemer, AL); aunt, Cora Jordan of Bessemer, AL; sister-in-law, Jerry Hawkins of Bessemer, AL; sister-in-law, Willie-Mae Dobbins of Bessemer, AL ; five grandchildren, Horace Waverly Wilson IV, Marie Wilson, Mikayla Wilson, Enrique Kinry Carrillo III, and Nina Olivia Carrillo; her great-grandchild ; Tru’Lynn Langham and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Juanita Wilson will be deeply missed but forever remembered for the love she shared, the lives she touched, and the legacy she leaves behind.
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