Juanita Johnson

Juanita Izora Johnson was born to Sallie Keaton on January 23, 1938 in Miami, Florida. She was the first child born in the family and the was raised with her siblings, Earl, Brenda and Lisa.

As a child, Juanita loved beating boys in foot races and arm wrestling matches. She enjoyed playing checkers, softball, tennis, performing as a majorette/baton twirler and participating in track & field. When she competed in tournaments, she won first place medals in running events and ribbons/trophies for softball. 

Juanita was educated at Booker T. Washington High School where she excelled. She later attended Metropolitan State University where she earned an associate degree in social work with a minor in food service.

Juanita met George R. DuPuch, Sr. while living in Miami, Florida. They were joined in holy matrimony on July 24, 1954. Juanita and George were young and adventurous – moving across the country to Denver, Colorado where they quickly met and made many friends. They enjoyed hosting gatherings (parties & picnics), playing cards and going to the park. To this union, Trellany, George, Jr., Cedric, Sr. and Felicia were born. George and Juanita later divorced.

Years later, Juanita met Daniel D. Johnson (“Danny”) while working. They were wed on June 15, 1968 at the Four Winds Hotel in Denver, Colorado. Juanita and Danny both were great cooks and enjoyed making tasty dishes. They loved spending time with extended family (in-laws and good friends) and taking the children on adventurous road trips to other states. This included going to drive-in movies and going on fishing trips. Danny also loved watching westerns on television and joking around with the kids. Danny later passed away.

By profession, Juanita’s career has always centered around children/youth. Beginning with her role as Mom Cheerleader Supporter for the Denver Pirate Youth Football League and Colorado Flyers Youth Track Team. She was known for bringing ample food for everyone to enjoy and screaming the loudest at games and track meets.

She became a Paraprofessional with Denver Public Schools – specifically working at Thomas Jefferson High School and Place Junior High School. She made sure children were in class and not playing hooky; many of those she encountered still speak of her today as the pivotal person who helped steer them in the right direction.

After receiving her certification as a Respiratory Therapist, she worked at National Jewish Hospital caring for the health as well as the everyday needs of children from around the world – giving just a little extra attention to those whose parents were far away and could not visit frequently. She was then lured away to become a youth counselor at Gilliam Youth Services (Juvenile Detention Center) where she worked with troubled youth and re-directed their life paths towards a positive focus. Later as she considered retiring, she took on the role of Daycare Teacher with Agape Daycare where she taught Pre-K students the alphabet, how to write their name, nursery rhymes and other fun things. Juanita’s work relationships with teachers, principals, parents, and students alike extended to lifelong friendships.

Outside of work, Juanita’s extracurricular activities included being a member of the Denver Elks Lodge and Pilgram Rest Baptist Church. She later moved her church membership to All Nations Church of God in Christ where she served as a Dorcas daughter. She was a member for 45 years.

In her free time, she enjoyed reading her Bible, playing bingo, word search games. She also enjoyed spending time with friends Mamie Rasberry, Clotile Massey, Anne-Mae Nesby, Julia Fredricks, Sandra Murphy, Hazel Muckeroy, Lucy Perkins, Gladys Bates, Marva Coleman, Josephine Reid, Kitty Robinson, Bobby Jr. and Bobbi Cummings, Naomi Harrison, Margo Butler, Leah Gilmore, Sophie Williams, Hayward Hobbs, Robert Smith, “Lynwood,” Charlotte Newell, Greg Tate, Sr., Marilyn Keesee, “Petra” and “Lois”.

Those who knew her best describe her as being loyal, unselfish, funny, no-nonsense and having a big personality.

She is survived by her children, Trellany Y. Daviss, George R. DuPuch, Jr., Cedric E. DuPuch, Sr. and Felicia R. DuPuch; grandchildren, Tasmisha Daviss, Kia Porter, Mariko Carson, Justin DuPuch, Auria DuPuch-Freeman, Dominick DuPuch, Cedric DuPuch, Jr., Nicholas DuPuch, and Douglas DuPuch; great grandchildren, Taileja Vaughns, Kheshaun Daviss, Reese Martin, Jordan DuPuch, Tianni Carson, Leila Alavi-Huskic, Mariya Carson, Khiram Gallow-Hall, Kazhmier DuPuch, Dante DuPuch, Kayla DuPuch, Jalen Freeman, Kalend Hall, Mariyah DuPuch, Aubrey Payne, Landen DuPuch, Chloe DuPuch, Jada DuPuch, Aaliyah DuPuch, Auden Freeman, Ava DuPuch, Carter DuPuch, Asher DuPuch and Cora DuPuch; nieces and nephews, Adrienne Williams, Andre Williams, Angela Cook-Carlisle, Alicia Cook-Pollock, Alan Cook and Anita Cook-King; cousins, Rita Jackson, Jabari Jackson and Robert Jackson, and a host of other relatives & friends