Juanita Beck

Juanita Jackson Beck peacefully passed away on September 18, 2021 at Hospice House in Lumberton N.C with her daughter by her side. She was born in Robeson County to the late Duncan James and Leon Elizabeth Jackson, May 27, 1930. She spent her 91 years in her beloved St. Pauls and could not imagine living anywhere else.

She graduated from St. Pauls High School in 1939 and began working for WD Broadwell Hardware and Building Supply as a bookkeeper and sales person. When his business sold she began a 40 plus year career with D.D. McColl, Inc. as a manager for a newly conceived gift wares and Hallmark store. She so enjoyed being a part of that as she got to interact with her town’s folks and others stopping by to shop. Her favorite times were assisting newly engaged young ladies with their bridal registry ideas and plans.

God and family were her life. She helped care for her parents until their deaths, as well as offering support to her brothers and only sister. She was very protective and devoted to her family, especially her daughter. Juanita loved to cook, especially her wonderful pound cakes, homemade chicken and pastry and great fried chicken. She also loved to eat, especially if ice cream and milkshakes were included.

Her passion for gardening was also known among her family and friends. There was also a standing joke that if anyone needed their yard raked she was your woman. She also loved to watch her birds and squirrels enjoying the bird feeders. She was amused that they all got in on the action of eating all that she provided.

As the years past, she survived cancer twice, heart attack, and hip surgery, but dementia and its complications robbed her of the ability to enjoy life, as she became wheelchair and bed bound.

Juanita was preceded in death by her husband of 25 years Claude M. Beck; her parents Duncan and Leon Jackson; brothers, Buddy, Bobby, David, Doug, Jimmy and Ronnie Jackson, and her only sister Shirley Dean. She is survived by her daughter Sandra Beck of Corolla, NC; her niece Melody Torrey with husband Billy and son Seth. Her brother in law Carl Dean along with nieces, nephews and beloved cousins and their families.

Juanita worked her entire life devoted to helping her family and friends achieve their goals and happiness, many times skipping over her own. As her daughter has reiterated many times her Mom was the strongest and toughest person she has ever known. But now, thank God, her trials have ended and the rest is won for her.

A Funeral Service and Celebration of her life will be held Tuesday, September 21, 2021 at 11am at Oakridge Cemetery in St. Paul's, NC with Pastor Kelly Barr officiating. The Family suggest in Lieu of flowers; any memorial contributions be made to a charity of one’s choice. The family is being served by McNeill Mackie Funeral Home in St. Paul’s NC.