Juanita Helen Hawes Grayum passed away on September 15, 2020, at the age of 100 at home surrounded by loved ones. She was born on August 7, 1920 in a farmhouse built by her great grandfather, John B. Campbell, just north of Oak Grove, Missouri. Born to Arthur and Amanda Hawes and one of five children, Juanita weighed less than 4 lbs. (including her diaper and dress); she was born prematurely after her mother had suffered the sudden loss of her son, little G.H. Hawes, at the age of 22 months.
Juanita grew into a determined and wonderful young woman, teaching in a one-room schoolhouse while earning her teaching certificate. She married the love of her life, Warren Grayum, whom she had known since grade school. Juanita was a war bride, following her husband from one army station to another, until his departure to join the fight for freedom in Europe during World War II. She became a wonderful mother to three beautiful daughters, Linda, Faith, and Virginia and was equally gifted in working with children, outside of the home. Juanita taught in the Oak Grove and Lee Summit school districts and became a renowned English teacher and school principal. She never ceased in her thirst for knowledge and continued diligently in her pursuit of further education. Even up until a few days ago, Juanita was a veracious reader. Later, she enrolled in Dale Carnegie courses and was honored by the request to teach those classes.
Juanita’s marriage to Warren lasted more than sixty-six years and was the finest example of a beautiful marriage. No day went by after his passing in 2008 that she did not miss him. Together and apart, Juanita and Warren were heavily involved in their church and community. She continuously looked for opportunities to honor the Lord and to help people. One way in which Juanita was able to do this was through teaching Sunday school for years.
In 1972, Juanita and Warren each felt an individual and deep impression of the Holy Spirit to begin a prayer meeting in their home. Thus, every Tuesday at 7 pm, people flowed through their prayer meetings, and the power and demonstration of the Holy Spirit would appear. From 1972-1975, hundreds of people poured through their home. The result was countless conversions, healings, and miracles. Many marriages were restored, and many answered the call to become missionaries. To this day, the obedience of Juanita and Warren is still bearing fruit all over the world. The prayer meeting results led to the founding of the Full Gospel Church of the Redeemed, in Oak Grove, Missouri, and Juanita and Warren were integral in building two churches: The United Methodist Church of Oak Grove and the Full Gospel Church of the Redeemed.
Juanita was an amazing daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Her love for the Lord stood first place and center in her life. She was the epitome of class, grace, and elegance. Her life was well-lived, an outstanding example of what it truly is to walk with Jesus. To attempt to encompass the vast amount of good that Juanita did in this world would be quite difficult; a very humble and loving woman, her life was an example for all of what it truly is to be a follower of Christ.
Juanita was an avid supporter of our amazing President Trump. She cheered him on and followed all the victories he is making for our country. She was certain of his next biggest victory in November 2020!
Juanita is survived by her daughters, Faith Haley and her husband, Kenneth of Houston, Texas, and Virginia Schulte and her husband John of Saint Louis, Missouri; seven grandchildren: Warren Douglas Smith, Mellisa Groff, Israel Haley, Andrew Haley, Daniel Haley, Rachel Schulte, and John Schulte, Jr.; and eleven great-grandchildren: Kayla Smith, Ashley Smith, Emily Smith, Sydney Groff, Trenton Groff, Sam Groff, Maddox Haley, Sage Haley, Cole Haley, Alivia Haley, and Bennett Haley.
The family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 17, 2020, at Encourager Church, 10950 Katy Freeway in Houston, Texas, where her funeral service will be held at 7:00 p.m. with Rev. Johnny Fernandez officiating. Graveside services will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 19th in Oak Grove Cemetery in Oak Grove, Missouri.
Arrangements: Schmidt Funeral Home, Katy, TX 77494 281-391-2424
Royer Funeral Home, Oak Grove, MO 816-690-4441