Juanita Merritt

Juanita Victoria Merritt was born on December 25, 1923 to parents, Gertrude and Victor Payne, Sr. She was the second youngest of 5 siblings – George, Thelma, Frederick, and Victor, Jr. Juanita spent her early years living and working in Harlem, New York. She graduated from Walton High School and later attended nursing school and trained to become a pediatric nurse. In the 1940’s Juanita lived in Rego Park, Queens where she met her husband, James Merritt. They had three children – Diana, Juanita (Tiny), and Wayne. After the untimely death of her husband, in 9153, Juanita moved her young family to The Bronx and into the Throgs Neck Projects. She worked hard and held several positions during that time, including working as a full time seamstress and housekeeper while raising three children as a single parent. Some years later, Juanita met Hayes Rogers and had two more children – Earl and Lee Ann, respectively. For the remainder of her years, Juanita became a cherished member in her community. Juanita loved children and she cared for many families and numerous children throughout her life. She was a life-long caregiver known to provide meals, a safe haven, a listening ear, and a caring ear to anyone who needed her. Juanita was also very creative and loved working with her hands. She loved to cook and bake, to garden, make crafts, knit, crochet, and was skilled at hand embroidery. She busied herself with many creative projects and loved learning new things such as using the computer and surfing the internet. She remained independent until the final years of her life. Words cannot express how deeply Juanita – mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother will be missed. Juanita leaves to mourn her children: Diana Diaz, Juanita “Tiny” Merritt, Earl “Mully” Rogers, Lee Ann Rogers and Danielle Chambers. Grandchildren: Thurston “T.J.” Spruell, Courtney Merritt, Kimberly Leysath, Tiffany Pringle, Krystal Hamilton, Tamiiya Pl El, and Kaylee Luke. And a host of family including great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, loved ones and friends.