Juanita Carolyn "Nee" Manuel

Juanita Carolyn "Nee" Manuel, a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, peacefully passed away at her home, surrounded by her loving family, on September 16, 2026. Born on March 8, 1938, in Jackson, Mississippi, to the late Percy James and Jo Lillie Weakley, Juanita's life was a testament to love, generosity, and dedication. Juanita devoted 36 years of her professional life to serving Los Angeles County as a secretary, retiring in 1994. Her commitment to her work was paralleled by her dedication to her family and community. A member of Park Avenue Baptist Church, she also found joy and companionship in the VIP Club at Central Park in Rancho Cucamonga, where she was an avid BINGO player. Known for her warm heart and exquisite baking, Juanita was the embodiment of generosity, always eager to share her culinary creations with others. Her love for playing BINGO and visiting casinos brought her great joy and laughter, and her vibrant spirit was a blessing to all who knew her. Juanita is survived by her cherished children, son Lionel Manuel Jr. and his wife Paulina, and daughter Phyllis Rae Manuel-Bratton and her husband William. Her legacy continues through her four treasured grandchildren, Courtney Foster, Lionel Carson, Mikaela, and Brittnany. She also leaves behind her dear sisters, Thelma Jamison and her husband Hardy, and Wilma McGee, along with a host of loving nieces and nephews. A celebration of Juanita's life will be held on October 17, 2026, at 11:00 AM at the Forest Lawn Hollywood Hills, located at 6300 Forest Lawn Drive, Hollywood Hills, CA. The family invites those who knew and loved her to join them in honoring her memory. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to a charity of your choice, in memory of Juanita's generous spirit. The family shares this special message: "Gone but not forgotten. A precious one from us has gone. A voice we loved is stilled; a place is vacant in our home, which never can be filled. God in His wisdom has recalled the boon her love has given, and though the body slumbers here, the soul is safe in Heaven." Juanita's presence brought warmth and joy to all who knew her, and her legacy of love and kindness will forever be cherished in the hearts of her family and friends.