Juanita Sarah Turpin

Juanita Sarah Cunnynham Turpin, age 97, died peacefully on October 29, 2024. Juanita was born on February 1, 1927, to Modesta and Wilkie Cunnyngham in Jefferson City, Missouri. She graduated from Jefferson City High School in May 1945. Juanita received an Associate in Arts from Christian College (now Columbia College) and a Bachelor of Science in Education from the University of Missouri. She also received a lifetime teaching certificate in secondary education.

Juanita married William M. Turpin on August 28, 1948. They settled in Bill's hometown, Bowling Green, MO. Juanita taught Home Economics at Vandalia High School, while Bill practiced law. They had two children, Deborah Kay and William M., Jr. Following Debby's birth, Juanita ceased teaching and became a full-time homemaker. She spent the rest of her life generously devoting herself to her family. Their family moved to St. Charles, MO in 1970, and then back to Bowling Green in 1975. Juanita and Bill enjoyed 30 years of marriage before his death on July 4, 1979. One of the many highlights of their marriage was the five years during which they owned, operated, and lived at, the Bowling Green Municipal Airport.

Juanita returned to Jefferson City for a brief time after Bill's death. While there, she attended night classes at the Nichols Career Center, receiving a Technician Certificate in Business Data Processing in May 1981. While she never officially used her certificate, she loved the process and challenges of learning and earning the certificate.

In 1982, Juanita moved back to St. Charles to be closer to her granddaughters, in whose lives she lovingly became an important part.

Juanita lived a caring and compassionate life, putting other's needs before her own. She loved nothing more than being surrounded by her family, especially her grandchildren. Juanita was an exceptional seamstress, making her wedding dress and countless outfits for herself and Debby, not to mention curtains, valances, bedspreads and other items for their homes. She could fold a fitted bedsheet like no one else!

Juanita is survived by her children, Debby Bartley and Bill Turpin, Jr. (Josephine), her grandchildren, Erin Stubblefield (Kory), Susan Velleca (David, Christopher Turpin (Ayumi), Mitchell Turpin, and Nicholas Turpin, her great-grandchildren, Connor and Audrey Velleca, Mason Stubblefield, and Mei Turpin, and her brother, Jon Cunnyngham.

A private burial will take place at Antioch Cemetery, Cyrene, MO.