Juanita C. Melear, 88, passed away on Thursday, January 21, 2021 at her residence in Purvis. A graveside service will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, January 28, 2021 at Coaltown Cemetery in Purvis. Juanita was a member of First Baptist Church of Purvis. She was quite active with the church’s Sunday school and the church library where she had the opportunity to work with many of the children through the years. Juanita was an elementary school teacher for many years and taught in Arkansas, Mississippi and Montana. In her spare time, she enjoyed reading, especially westerns. Juanita is preceded in death by her husband, Billy Melear; her parents, Sid and Velma Coffman; and her two brothers, Melvin Coffman, Wayne Coffman. She is survived by her daughter, Sherri Lynn Melear of Purvis; three sons, Terry Glen Melear of Purvis, Gary Ray Melear of Gautier, Scott Melear of Brandon; two grandsons, James Melear and Jason Melear, both of Brandon; a great-granddaughter, Brooklyn Melear. There will be a gathering of friends at 11:00 a.m. at Coaltown Cemetery prior to the graveside services on Thursday, January 28, 2021.