Juanita McNeil

       Mrs. Juanita McNeil was born April 30, 1934 in Garfield, Georgia to the late Rev. Sir Walter  Atkinson, Sr and Mrs. Beaulah Mosley Atkinson.  She attended and graduated from the public schools of Emanuel County, Georgia.  

       A seamstress, by trade, Ms. Juanita worked for thirty years in the clothing manufacturing industry at Pride Manufacturing in Portal, Georgia.  At an early age, she confessed faith in Jesus and joined  Union Chapel Baptist Church in Garfield, Georgia.  She later moved her membership to Lakeside First Baptist Church, Metter, Georgia.  She attended and served there faithfully for more than fifty years until her health failed.  She was a member of the choir and served as the church custodian for many years.    

       Ms. Juanita entered, peacefully,  into eternal rest on Sunday, November 16, 2025. She was a very kind and caring person who enjoyed family gatherings , especially with her grandchildren.  Ms. Juanita loved to fish and work in her garden.

       Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by three brothers, Will Atkins, Seth Atkinson and George Atkinson; two sisters, Sharlene Robinson and Annie Kay Briggs.        

       She leaves to cherish fond memories: two sons and daughters-in-law, Michael and Genevieve Chappel, Statesboro, GA and Ricky and Teresa McNeil, Pulaski, GA; one daughter, Joyce Byrd, Statesboro, GA; four brothers and two sisters-in-law, Ernest and Portia Atkinson, Warner Robins, GA, James and Mary Atkinson, Statesboro, GA, Walter Atkinson, Jr, Metter, GA and Robert Atkinson, Miami, FL; one sister, Ida Ruth Stubbs , Miami, FL.; nine grandchildren, seven great grandchildren and one great-great grandchild; several nieces, nephews cousins and friends.

The staff of Whitaker Funeral Home is honored to serve McNeil - Atkinson family with Dignity, Respect and Integrity. 

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