Funeral Services will be held 11:00 AM EDT Saturday, June 20, 2026 at Providence Baptist Church. Burial will follow in church cemetery. Visitation will be Friday, June 19, 2026 from 3:00 PM until 6:00 PM at the funeral home.

A Time to be Born: Jaunita was born April 14, 1936 to the late Julius Sr. and Corene Edmonds in Seale (Lato), Alabama. She was the 7th child of eleven children.

A Time to Build: Jaunita confessed her faith in Christ at an early age and joined Providence Missionary Baptist Church. She was raised in a loving home where prayer, hymns, and faith were an integral part of daily life. Surrounded by a strong spiritual foundation, she was nurtured in Christian values that were further strengthened through worship, fellowship, and service within the church. These early experiences helped shape the faith that guided her throughout her life. She attended Uchee Creek Elementary School, Mt. Olive Elementary and High School (Ft. Mitchell, Alabama. She later received her GED from Westview Adult Education Program (Phenix City, Alabama).

A Time to Love: Jaunita was united in marriage to Ocie Will Clark, where bonus daughter, Marandra Clark Rivers was lovingly embraced. Their family was later blessed with the birth of two daughters, Jacquelyn Clark and Carolyn Clark Carlisle. Jaunita cherished her role as a wife and mother, creating a home filled with love, discipline, faith and devotion to her family.

A Time to Plant: Jaunita developed an impeccable work ethic from the example set by her parents and dedicated more than 70 years of her life to serving others. Throughout her career, she held positions with Fieldcrest Textiles, Rainbow Sewing Factory, AHP Medical, E&W Sewing Factory, Jordan Vocational High School and Columbus High School, where she was known for her diligence, dependability and commitment to excellence. Her passion for helping others extended beyond her professional life. Jaunita served as a Foster Grandparent through E.A.S.E., where she touched the lives of many children with her wisdom, kindness, nurture and encouragement. She was also an active member of the Green Star Senior Citizens organization in Longview, Texas, and a member of Central Activity Center, Phenix City, Alabama, until her health no longer permitted. Through her years of work, volunteerism, and community involvement, Jaunita left a lasting impact on all who had the privilege of knowing her.

A Time to Mourn: Jaunita was preceded in death by both parents, Julius Edmonds, Sr. & Corene Edmonds; two brothers, Julius Edmonds, Jr., & Joe Lee Edmonds (Shirley); five sisters, Ethel Crawford (Melvin), Doris Pugh (Henry), Annie Will Lockhart (J.W.), Almertha Gould (Arthur, Martha Louise Chambers (James).

A Time to Persevere: Jaunita was a courageous two-time breast cancer survivor whose strength, determination, and faith inspired everyone around her. When cancer returned seven years after her first battle, she faced the challenge with unwavering resilience and trust in God. Though the disease tested her physically, it could not diminish her faith, her hope, or her desire to live life to the fullest. Through every trial, Jaunita remained steadfast, finding strength in her relationship with God and embracing each day with gratitude and purpose. Her journey was a testament to her courage, perseverance, and the enduring power of faith.

A Time to Soar: Jaunita was an entrepreneur, a visionary, and a trailblazer who had the remarkable ability to recognize a need, organize resources and build a business to meet it. As the owner and operator of Granny's Kitchen, she established what was recognized as the first and only sit-down diner in Lato, Alabama, and became the first, African American female restaurant owner in Lato, Alabama. Granny's Kitchen quickly became more than a restaurant, it became a gathering place for the community. Known for its delicious fish dinners served every Friday and Saturday, the diner offered not only great food but also fun, fellowship, and a welcoming atmosphere. After Sunday worship services, many church members, family, and friends would gather there to share meals, laughter, and meaningful conversations.

A Time to Scatter: Jaunita devoted what seemed like a lifetime going to different places in worship, fellowship, joy and faithful service in the church. Later on in her adult life, she joined St. Mark A.M.E. Church, Columbus, Georgia, where she served faithfully as a Stewardess. In time, she felt led by the Holy Spirit to return to her roots at Providence Missionary Baptist Church, where she continued her service as a member of the mass choir until her health began to decline. While in residence at Orchard View Nursing Facility, Jaunita's ministry of song continued in a powerful way. She could often be heard filling the halls with praises unto the Lord, lifting spirits and creating an atmosphere of worship wherever she went. She became a blessing to residents, staff, and family members alike. Jaunita's joy and spirit did not go unnoticed. She was honored at Orchard View, placing 3rd overall in the Mrs. Orchard View Pageant and earning 1st place in the talent competition for her singing one of her favorite expressions of testimony, "Down Through The Years The Lord Has Been Good To Me".

A Time of Peace: God lovingly called Jaunita to her place of peaceful rest. Her earthly journey is now complete. She is no longer bound by pain, illness, or the struggles of this life. No more weakness, no more memory challenges and no more physical affliction.

She departed from this life on Sunday June 14, 2026 at 10:00pm. Yet from Juanita's eternal perspective she had arrived at her final destination-welcomed into the presence of Almighty God, where peace is complete and rest is everlasting.

The Legacy She Leaves Behind: Those who remain to cherish her legacy, her voice, and her steadfast discipline include her three daughters: Elder Maranda Clark Rivers, Jacquelyn Clark, and Reverend Dr. Carolyn Clark Carlisle; one brother, Charles Edmonds (Portia); and two sisters, Shirley Coleman (Willie B.) and Lois Williams (Thomas).

She leaves behind four grandchildren: Freddie Lerone Clark, Khrischinda Averett, Jason Carlisle, and Jasmine Carlisle; and two great-grandchildren: Khrislyn Averett and Dylan Fortson.

She is also remembered by nieces, nephews, and first cousins who were like sisters to her, Mrs. Lena Alexander and Mrs. Ruby James, her devoted extended cousins, the Allen and Jackson families; and lifelong neighbors and cherished friends, Navanglyn Potter and Barbara Ann Williams (Philip), along with a multitude of family members, friends, and associates whose lives were touched by her presence and influence.