Juanita "Dea" Chism

CHISM, Mrs. Juanita “Dea” – age 94, passed away Sunday, August 20, 2023 at her residence. Family hour 10:00 AM Saturday, August 26, 2023 from the Chapel of Lawrence E. Moon Funeral Home, 268 North Perry Street, with Funeral Service commencing immediately at 11:00 AM. Pastor Dustin McClellan, Officiating. Interment Perry Mount Park Cemetery, 878 North Perry Street. Friends and pallbearers will assemble at the funeral Home 10:00 AM Saturday. Mrs. Chism will lie in state in the Chapel of Lawrence E. Moon Funeral Home, and may be viewed from Noon – 6:00 PM Friday. Mrs. Juanita Chism was born November 5, 1928, in Eva, Louisiana to her parents, the late Ed Whitley and Elizabeth Burns. She departed this life peacefully at her home on August 20, 2023, at the age of 94. Mrs. Chism, affectionately known by family and friends as “Dea,” was raised in Ferriday, Louisiana, and graduated from Ferriday High School. She accepted Christ at an early age, loved attending church and listening to gospel music, and had a very strong faith in God. On June 26, 1948, Juanita married Leon Chism Sr., her loving husband until his passing in 1985. To their union, eight children were born, and the two also served as surrogate parents to many in the community. Mrs. Chism also volunteered at the Boys and Girls Club, Pontiac Northern High School, and was involved in many other community activities. Mrs. Chism was a wonderful caregiver and homemaker, and she cherished hosting loved ones in her home. She saw the good in everyone and was a constant encourager. In turn, she was loved by all who had the pleasure of meeting her. She was an independent, strong-minded, supportive mother, and grandmother, and her legacy will live on in her family. Mrs. Chism leaves to cherish in her memory: her children, Verna Dean Rand, Bob Chism, David Chism Sr., Ronald Chism Sr., James Chism, and Kenneth Chism; daughter-in-law, Frankie Chism; and son-in-law, Dwight Ledwell Sr. She also leaves in her loving memory, 15 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren, as well as a host of nieces and nephews. Mrs. Chism was preceded in death by her husband, Leon Chism Sr.; children, Leon Chism Jr. and Lacine Ledwell; son-in-law, Arthur Rand; grandchildren, David Chism Jr. and Corey Rand; as well as her sisters, Eva Whitley, Thelma Whitley, Alberline Whitley, Rosemary Watkins; and her brothers, Jack Green, Napoleon “Bo” Crumb, Ed Green, and Amos “AW” Whitley.

Juanita "Dea" Chism

November 5, 1928 - August 20, 2023