Juanita Hawthorn

January 1, 1940 – July 15, 2025 Juanita Hawthorne finally decided it was time to take her well-earned rest at 6:30 AM on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, surrounded by her loving family in Evansville, Indiana , whether they were ready to let her go or not. Born on New Year’s Day, 1940, to Beula and Cecil Tanner, Juanita arrived in this world already making a statement: “If you’re going to show up, you might as well make it a holiday.” From then on, she brought light, warmth, and just the right amount of sass to every room she entered. A heavenly soul with quiet strength, Juanita was known for her warm heart, deep faith, and a knack for reminding everyone that she was (usually) right. She lived a life rooted in love, compassion, and grace even when she had to grit her teeth through it. She is survived by her loving children: Rick Clair, James Clair, Karleen Hillery, Ashley Humphries, and Shelia Tanner, all of whom would probably agree she was just stubborn enough to keep them all in line from the other side. Juanita was also a proud grandmother and great-grandmother many times over. This is just proof that her legacy (and her sharp wit) will live on. She now joins her beloved son, Geral Rae, in heaven . She is no doubt already telling him what he’s been doing wrong up there. Her greatest and final wish was for everyone to stay cheerful, find joy in the little things, and stop taking life quite so seriously. As she so often reminded us: “Happiness is not by chance. It’s by choice.” (And if you didn’t listen, well, she told you so.) Her memory lives on in the laughter of her family, the kindness she inspired, and the love she leaves behind. A private family service will be held to honor her remarkable life. Please, in her memory, share a smile or offer a kind word. Forever cherished. Forever loved. Forever a little bit feisty.