Juanita Mae Curls Huntsman, 93, of Plant City, went home to her Lord on October 5, 2024.
Born March 29, 1931, in Clearwater, Florida, she was the daughter of James Henry and Emma Mae Bates Curls. She is survived by her daughters Cathy Stein of Plant City, Anna (Bill) Phillips of Fairfax Station, Virginia, and Sara (Jeff) Leonard of Tampa; grandchildren Josh and Steven (Kristin) Stein, Holly (James) Collins, Kaylyn (Alicia) Goulet; Andy, Rebecca, and Charlie Phillips; Emma and Will Leonard; great-grandchildren Joshua, Julianne, Isla, Alana, and Lilian Stein; and Noah and Caleb Collins. She is also survived by her brother Charles Curls, sister Emily McCarty and sister-in-law Jane Curls. She was preceded in death by her husband of 61 years, William Huntsman, her parents, and siblings Robert Ingram, Agnes Young, Jim Curls, and Shelton Curls.

Growing up in Clearwater started Juanita's lifelong love of the beach. She graduated from Clearwater High School in 1949 then worked several years as a telephone operator.

Juanita and Bill married in 1951 and lived in Clearwater until 1966, when they moved to Plant City. They shared a bond that exemplifies how fully two people can care for one another. By putting God first in their household, they created the example for the love, care, and laughter that their family continues to reflect to one another.

Juanita lived a life of service, love, and devotion. She was a member of Shiloh Baptist Church, First Baptist Church of Plant City, Skycrest Baptist Church, Calvary Baptist Church, and a charter member of Keene Terrace Baptist Church. At each church she served faithfully in missions and children's ministries. She joyfully shared the love of Jesus with children of all ages, especially pre-schoolers.

She strengthened her community through prolific volunteer service as a Brownie and Girl Scout leader, active member of the PTA in many schools, and generously cared for her neighbors and friends.

She loved to read, garden, and sew. She was a seamstress extraordinaire who could make anything with a needle and thread. Three generations of her girls have worn dresses that she lovingly hand smocked. She used her creativity to create beautiful clothes, gorgeous curtains, precious baby blankets, and countless other treasured items.

She had a mischievous sense of humor and never turned down a game of cards. She taught all her children and grandchildren to play games and passed on a sense of competitiveness but most of all fun. In her later years, she organized a weekly game of Hand and Foot Canasta enjoyed by her friends and neighbors.

She was beloved by her family, including her countless nieces and nephews. They will miss their spirited Aunt Nita. Of all her names, "Granma" was her favorite. She found a way to make each grandchild know they were cherished.

Juanita's daughters are grateful for the consistent example of her life. She always used her intellect and compassion to speak her heart and mind. She instilled strength and inspired confidence in them.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Juanita's name may be made to Florida Baptist Children's Home (One More Child), P.O. Box 8190, Lakeland, FL 33802.

Friends and family will be received on Saturday, October 26, 2024, from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Shiloh Baptist Church, 905 W Terrace Drive, Plant City, FL 33563.
A funeral service will follow at 2:00 PM.

Online condolences can be made at www.haught.care.
Funeral arrangements were trusted to Haught Funeral Home, 708 W. Dr. MLK Jr. Blvd Plant City, FL 33563, (813) 717-9300