October 21, 1926 ~ May 27, 2024 (age 97)
Juanita Hinson Stanley, 97, wife of the late Sam P. Stanley, Jr., died peacefully, on Monday, May 27 surrounded by her family, having lived an incredible life. She was the daughter of the late Louvie and Jessie Hinson of Whiteville. She was preceded in death by her brother, Louvie Hinson Jr, sister and dear friend, Frances Pridgen, a son Kenneth E. Garland, and a great grandchild, John A. McNeill, III.
Growing up during the Depression and World War II, she learned the value of hard work, determination, and resilience.
She graduated from Whiteville High School in 1943 and her class voted her “Most Likely to Succeed.” She went to work for the Health Department for 9 years, then married her husband in 1948 and remained married until his death in 1985. They worked side by side as he became a successful realtor and she did their accounting. She soon became a realtor as well, among the earliest women realtors in the state. She continued to practice this career for most of her life. She was a devoted member of the First Baptist Church for roughly 75 years and prioritized her faith in everything she did. She was the second woman elected to the Board of Deacons and served as President of the WMU during the 75th anniversary of the church. Traveling with the “Sunshine Group” brought her great joy and helped create lifelong friends. She and the other nonagenarians (those between the ages of 90 and 99) were honored as “Pillars of the Church” in 2018 and in 2024. She also enjoyed civic organizations such as The Eastern Star, as well as gardening, walking, and time with her grandchildren, great grandchildren and friends.
A Celebration of Life will be held at the First Baptist Church, Whiteville, on Monday June 3, 2024 at 1:00 pm, followed by a Visitation in the Church Fellowship Hall. Her concluding service will be at Peacock’s Columbus Memorial Park at 4:00 pm.
Surviving to cherish her memory are her 4 children: Sam P. Stanley, III (Lana) of Leland, Deborah Kay Stanley McNeill, (Sandy) of Whiteville, Mary Kathryn Stanley Watkins, (Doug) of Charlotte and Gretta Jo Stanley Evans, (Jeff) of Belews Creek. She is survived by 7 grandchildren: Jenny Cameron McNeill Purvis (Will) of Wilmington, Robert Benjamin McNeill (Lara) of Wilmington, Anna Elizabeth McNeill Oliver (DJ) of Wilmington, Ryan Stanley Watkins (Kristin) of Charlotte, James Alexander Watkins (Janell) of Charlotte, Donna Faye Garland Garrell (Jeff) of Myrtle Beach, Amy Garland Taylor (Gant) of Simpsonville, SC, and 13 great grandchildren.
The family would like to thank the entire Liberty Commons Staff as well as Liberty Hospice for their love and care throughout her time living there. Special gratitude goes to Shirley Smith a devoted care taker and friend for several years.
Memorials can be made to First Baptist Church, 412 North Madison St, Whiteville, NC 28472 or to a charity of your choice.
Online condolences may be made at www.peacockfuneral home.net.
