Juanita Redfern Williams

             LILESVILLE – On Saturday, February 25, 2023, Mrs. Juanita Redfern Williams, 91, passed away peacefully to be with her Lord and her beloved husband, Gene with her family gathered at her bedside. Her family rejoices in knowing that she and Gene are now waking hand in hand again in Heaven with new and glorified bodies.

            Funeral services will be 11:00 AM, Wednesday, March 1, 2023 in the Chapel of Leavitt Funeral Home with Rev. Teddy Lawson officiating. Interment will follow in Lilesville Cemetery.

            The family will greet friends from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM Tuesday, February 28, 2023, at the funeral home and other times at her home.

            Juanita was born December 16, 1931 in Peachland, NC and was a daughter of the late Neal Redfern and the late Rosalie Rawlings Redfern. She was a graduate of Peachland High School.

            She was a member of Lilesville Baptist Church since 1951 serving as church treasurer for 32 years. She taught a children’s Sunday school class and sang in the choir for more than 50 years.

            Juanita was best known for being the Town Clerk and Finance Director and a certified police officer for the Town of Lilesville for 43 years. Following retirement, she continued to serve the citizens of Lilesville as she was elected to the town council. Folks often referred to Juanita and her husband, Gene as Miss Kitty and Matt Dillon from Gunsmoke, as they looked after their town just as they did. Besides her family, her love for Lilesville and its residents held a special place in her heart.

            She served on many civic organizations, including The Lilesville Civic Builders, schools, church and other committees in Anson County. She especially enjoyed outings with her Red Hat Club, church birthday group and eating out with friends and family. Most recently, she enjoyed puzzles, playing gin rummy, watching her favorite Hallmark movies and cheering on her favorite sports teams.

            Juanita was a people person. She loved meeting new people and being of help to those in need. She always had a smile on her face! She was always dressed to the nines, kept her weekly beauty shop appointments to get her hair “twisted” as her husband would always say, have her nails manicured and of course the perfect accessories to complete her outfit for the day!

            She leaves to cherish her memory, her daughters, Brenda Marsh of Cedar Point, NC and Cathy Kelly (David) of McFarlan; her grandchildren, Meagan Kelly Benson (Robby), Zachary Kelly (Samantha), Gray Marsh and Travis Marsh (Danielle); her great-grandchildren, Damien Kelly, who came to live with her 2 years ago, Carson McCollum, Cassidy Kelly, Bailee Kelly, Preston Kelly, Chester Marsh, Riley Marsh, Lincoln Marsh, Caitlin Benson and Jessica Benson and her nieces and nephews and their families.

            In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, Gene Williams, her infant granddaughter, Jill Kelly and her sister and brothers, Reba Killian, Pete Redfern and DeWitt Redfern and their spouses.

            Juanita’s family is especially grateful to Sylvester Horne who assisted her in many ways to ensure her being able to live independently at her home until the end. She knew she could count on him and she often referred to him as her adopted son.

            In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Lilesville Cemetery Fund, c/o Donna McAllister, P.O. Box 206, Lilesville, NC 28091.

            It was in her notes to her family that she always wanted to be remembered as a lady who loved people and the Lord. A true statement and witness to the life she lived in service to others.

            The arrangements are in care of Leavitt Funeral Home and online condolences may be made at www.leavittfh.com