Juanita K. Griffin

Juanita Kaye Taylor Griffin was born in Springfield, Missouri on December 13, 1949. She passed away on Tuesday, April 2, 2024, at Citizens Memorial Hospital in Bolivar, Missouri. Juanita was the fourth child out of eight children born to Byron and Fern Taylor. She was raised in Aldrich, Missouri and attended Fair Play Schools, graduating in 1967. She was saved at an early age and carried her faith throughout her life. Juanita married Richard Garzee in June of 1967, and they had two children: Denna Kaye and Dustin Wayne. In August of 1985, she married Terry Griffin “Doo” who raised Denna and Dusty as his own. Juanita worked many jobs throughout her life, but she was a waitress for the biggest part of her working career. During this time, she worked for Copeland’s Donut Shop, then Grandma Taylor’s Restaurant, both located in Bolivar. She went on to work with her three sisters as they ran the café at the Fair Play Sale Barn. This is possibly where the girls had the most fun and laughter together. Juanita was “Mammie” to her grandchildren and any other child she encountered. She always spoiled each one with candy and soda and her loving heart. “No” was a word she barely spoke. She gave her heart and was always ready for them to come to her for any and everything and they did. Preceding Juanita to heaven was her loving husband, Doo her parents, a brother in infancy, two sisters, nephews, her in-laws and brothers-in-law. Those Juanita leaves behind to miss her terribly are her children: Denna Tosh, Dusty and Melanie Garzee; Brothers Davis and Jean, Reggie and Sue and Lindsay and Diana Taylor; Her sister Juana Vae and Mike Hopkins; Her grandchildren Heather, Heath, Rowdy, Erica, Sebastian and Lauren, Her great-grandchildren Bryson, Justina, Grace, Gavin, Gabby and Ganeshia; Her great- great- grandchildren Aiden and Ari, along with many nieces, nephews and cousins. Juanita loved deeply and was always thinking of others before herself. She gave all of her heart and will be forever missed for her kindness and unselfish acts to others. Funeral services for Juanita will be held on Friday, April 5, 2024, at Butler Funeral Home in Bolivar. A visitation will take place one hour prior to the service at the funeral home, from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM Interment will follow at Shady Grove Cemetery. Services are under the care and direction of Butler Funeral Home of Bolivar.

Juanita K. Griffin

December 13, 1949 - April 2, 2024