Juanita Mary Fletcher, devoted educator, writer, and advocate for compassion and equality, passed away peacefully on October 22, 2025, in Tyler, Texas. She was born on August 17, 1944, in Passaic, New Jersey. Juanita lived a life shaped by purpose and curiosity.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Donald; her son, Donald Jr.; her mother, Kathryn; her brother, Joseph; and the many pets she cherished over the years. She is survived by her son, David, and his wife, Sara; her daughter, Kelly, and her husband, Dusty; her sister, Sharon; and her grandchildren, Jacob, Sydney, and William. Juanita's cherished pets, Opie and Dax, also survive her.

Juanita was a lifelong learner, earning a Bachelor of Arts in English and sociology from Mary Manse College in 1971 and a Master of Public Administration from the University of Toledo in 1978. She graduated with honors and was a member of the Pi Gamma Mu honor society. Her passion for language led her to a career in education that started as an English Instructor at Bowling Green State University in Ohio. After moving to Texas, she taught at San Jacinto College and Galena Park North Shore High School. Later, she supported educators at Tyler Junior College.

Beyond the classroom, Juanita devoted over 25 years to social work, including nearly two decades at the Texas Department of Rehabilitation Services. She retired in 2016 and was honored as Specialist of the Year by the Texas Commission for the Blind in 2002, reflecting her commitment to advocating for and empowering others.

Her compassion extended well beyond her profession. Juanita was a passionate volunteer and advocate, supporting civil rights, championing disability inclusion, and promoting the humane treatment of animals. She served on the City of Tyler Disability Issues Review Board and the Mayor's Citizens Academy, lending her voice to those who needed it most.

A gifted writer, Juanita's poetry won national recognition and was featured in publications like Reader's Digest. As an East Texas Writers Guild member, she inspired others to seek beauty and truth through the written word.

Juanita's joys were simple and profound: stargazing, riding horses, swimming, taking long walks with her dogs, traveling, and cheering for her favorite football teams—the Texas Longhorns and the Houston Texans. Her inquisitiveness, intelligence, and distinctive sense of humor were a constant presence in any conversation she had. Her love for family, friends, community, and pets remained at the heart of her daily life and purpose.

In October 1977, she married the true love of her life, Donald Fletcher of Genoa, Ohio. The family moved to Houston, TX, with their two young children in 1986. Juanita spent countless nights and weekends supporting their kids' journey through youth sports and her husband's work as a leader in the aviation industry. She was also active volunteer in the Clear Lake and Kingwood communities in the Houston area, where they lived until Donald's passing in 1994.

She will be laid to rest with her husband and eldest son at the Houston National Cemetery in a private service. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Juanita's name to one of her favorite causes: Tyler's Pets Fur People, ASPCA, or KERA Public Television. The family would also like to recognize and sincerely thank The Hospice of East Texas for their incredible care and support in Juanita's final days.

Juanita's life was a unique and beautiful blend of intellect, compassion, and wonder. Her legacy endures in the lives she touched, the family she shaped, and the love she shared.