Juanita Mae Pickett

Juanita Pickett, 97, of Unionville, Missouri, passed away at the Putnam county Care Center in Unionville on Sunday, December 6, 2020.  She had been a resident there for a number of years.

Juanita Mae (Kingston) Pickett was born in the farmhouse of her parents in Putnam County, Missouri, on June 9, 1923, the daughter of Ozem and Hallie (Hunt) Kingston.  Juanita’s parents divorced in the 1930’s and her mother married Carl Pollock.  They lived on the farm near St. John in Putnam County.  Juanita graduated from Unionville High School in 1941, and married Max Pickett on June 7 of that year.  Juanita and Max lived in Davenport, Iowa, until he was drafted and then they lived near Camp Roberts in California where Max was stationed.  They later moved to a farm near Golden City, Missouri, when Max came out of the service.  Two children were born to this union: Linda and Michael.

Max was later hospitalized in Topeka, Kansas, with mental difficulties.  Juanita and her children returned to Unionville.  Juanita began working at the Putnam County Hospital in the 1960’s.  She also began attending classes in Kirksville to become a licensed practical nurse.  Juanita later had the opportunity to attend Lincoln University in Jefferson City, Missouri, to become a registered nurse.  She then worked as an RN at Putnam County Memorial Hospital in Unionville for several years before retiring in 1988.

Juanita served on many boards and committees in the community.  She was also an active member of the First Baptist Church in Unionville.  She liked to sing.  Juanita was a gracious and kind person who cared for people in her work, her church, and especially her family.

Juanita is survived by her daughter, Linda (Bob) Banger of Farmington, Missouri, and her son, Michael (Marsha) Pickett of Unionville, Missouri.  Her surviving grandchildren are Michael (Angie) Banger, Tim (Melody) Banger, Robbie (Laura) Banger, Jennifer (Tim) Proctor, Bethany Holohan, Hannah (Ben) Bolte, and Rachel (Justin) Smith.  She is also survived by fourteen great grandchildren: Bailey Bivolarov, Jackson Banger, Rebecca and Katherine Banger, Sean, Sloane, and Sam Banger, Abigail and Elizabeth Proctor, Gavin Holohan, Hallie and Brayden Bolte, and Rowen and Nora Smith.

Juanita was preceded in death by her parents and stepfather, Carl Pollock, and by her husband Max, who passed away August 9, 1987.

Funeral services for Juanita Pickett will be at Playle & Collins Family Funeral Home in Unionville, Missouri, at 11:00 am on Thursday, December 10, with visitation one hour prior to the service.  Interment will be at the Unionville Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to the Unionville Cemetery and may be entrusted with Playle & Collins Family Funeral Home, 709 S. 27 ^th , Unionville, Missouri, 63565.