Juanita V. Koonce, age 83, of Fayetteville, TN passed away on Saturday, September 14th, 2019 with her family in Ft. Lauderdale, FL. She was born on June 18th, 1936 in Lincoln County, TN, daughter of the late Raymond Vann and Odelle Good Vann.

She loved to travel, a few highlights were her trips to Paris, London, Vancouver, The Bahamas and an Alaskan Cruise. In addition to that she took every opportunity to travel with her family to 14 different states. Her favorite part of traveling was sampling local cuisine but at the end of the day for her, it was always the same, she much preferred Fried Chicken or Fried Catfish versus Filet Mignon or Pan Seared Wahoo.

Juanita and Lewis met in 1954 and went for one of their Sunday afternoon rides by Harms Dam. She was married to her late husband, Lewis W. Koonce for 63 years. They were a perfect pair. After retiring both Lewis & Juanita spent several months of the year “snowbirding” in Ft. Lauderdale, FL with their beloved dog Lucy and their son, Scott and his husband Bret. During those years they traveled extensively and ate immensely, Juanita made sure of that! They both LOVED their Florida home, but as much as she loved Florida she always felt at home in Tennessee, she felt blessed to have 2 homes.

Juanita was not only an amazing dedicated and loving mother to her own kin, but quickly found herself becoming a “second mother” to those in Florida and beyond in which she came in contact with. Juanita was a devout Christian and the greatest advocate for her family. Somehow she was able to balance a job, raise a family, serve God, be a Mother, Wife and Friend and still be willing and able to help those in need. Juanita was a simple woman from a small town who lived a full and complete life.

Ms. Koonce is survived by her sister: Laverne Tyler of Fayetteville, TN; sons: Ronnie Koonce of Flintville, TN, Scott Koonce of Ft. Lauderdale, FL; grandchildren: Heather Becker and Chad Koonce; four great grandchildren: Brooke Snyder, Briana Buchanan, Kaylea Bain and Emma Koonce; and nine great-great grandchildren: Lacie Holder, Jace Preston, Kylee Preston, Malloree Snyder, Axle Snyder, Oakley Snyder, Paisley Buchanan, Memphis Snyder, and Greyson Bain.

Funeral services will be conducted on Friday, September 20, 2019 at 12:00 noon in the chapel of Gallant-Riverview Funeral Home with Bro. John Hinson officiating. Burial will follow in Stewart Cemetery. Visitation is Friday from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 noon.

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