Juanita Mary Spurling-South

Juanita Mary Spurling-South 

March 4, 1941 - June 27, 2022

Juanita Mary Spurling-South was born in Cincinnati, Ohio on March 4, 1941, to the union of William Rochelle Crane and Mary (Flowers) Crane. Juanita is the second of four children; her siblings are the late William Rochelle Crane Jr., Gwendolyn Gray, and Donald Steven Crane.

In 1957, Juanita married the late Gordon Kenneth Spurling in Lincoln Heights, Ohio and this blessed union was just the beginning of everlasting love and bond between the Spurling and Crane dynasty. Juanita was a loving mother of eight children. Her passion was directed not only on her children, but all children from all walks of life; just mentioning the word “babies” would bring her such joy and put a smile on her face.

Juanita believed in the power of education. After many years in healthcare, she returned to college while raising eight children. She graduated with a degree in Early Childhood Education and Psychology. Upon graduating, Juanita accepted the position as Director of three CAC Head Start Centers in the Greater Cincinnati Area.  She became a mentor to so many families, teaching the importance of education and leadership to the women and children under her wing.

Juanita’s hobbies included reading, dance, music, and the arts. She was trained in piano and tap dance and excelled in both. With her lifelong companion, friend, and confidant, Preston Richardson, by her side, they were known for winning dance contests and putting on the best fashion shows. Juanita kept her children regularly involved in community activities including talent shows, plays, and sports.

Juanita aka “Queen Bee” will be greatly missed by the many lives she impacted through her words of wisdom and her daily advice. Perhaps the most memorable gift to her family is her unwavering faith in the Lord.

After a life well lived, Juanita was called home by her father. She is proceeded in death by her parents, William and Mary Crane; her brother, William Crane Jr.; and her husbands, Gordon Spurling and Barry South. She is survived by siblings, Gwendolyn Gray and Donald Steven Crane. She leaves to cherish her memory eight children: Donita Spurling, Angela (Rallan-deceased) Smith, Gojuan Spurling, Sylvia (Gary-deceased) Tillman, Priscilla (John “Teddy Boo”-deceased) White, Melody Collins, Juanita (Gordon-deceased) Spivey, Prestina Richardson Spurling, a host of grand/great/great-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Visitation is from 10:00 am until 11:30 am, on  Friday, July 15, 2022, at the Walker Funeral Home - Walnut Hills Chapel, 2625 Gilbert Avenue, Cincinnati  (45206).   The funeral service will immediately follow the visitation beginning at 11:30 am. 

Interment will follow at Vine Street Hill Cemetery, 3701 Vine Street, Cincinnati, Ohio 45220.   LeDon Spurling, John Spurling, James Spurling, Renwick Coley, Gojuan Spurling Jr., Gary Spurling,  Avery Spurling, Rallen Smith Jr., Derrell Spurling, Donnell Spurling, Rodney Spurling, and David Spurling will serve as pallbearers. 

Honorary Pallbearers: Gojuan Spurling Sr., Demetrius Spurling, Preston Richardson,  Donald Steven Crane, John Gray, Darryl Gray, Antonio  Gray, Troi Gray, Kenneth  Gray, and Songane Ndiaye..

Flower Bearers: Precious Spurling, Crystal Holliday, Juanita Spurling III,  Priscilla Spurling,  Melva Spurling, Grace Spurling, Roniece  Smith, Victoria Spurling. 

In keeping with CDC Covid19 Guidelines, we encourage those who are not fully vaccinated to wear a mask and practice social distancing.

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Walker Funeral Home is honored to serve the Spurling-South family.  Please call 513.251.6200 or visit www.HerbWalker.com for additional information. 

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