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Juanita Burkett, 81, died Wednesday, September 4, 2002 at Kindred Hospital in Albuquerque following a long and courageous fight with diabetes. Funeral Services will be Monday, September 9, 2002 at 10:00 a.m. at the Third and Kilgore Church of Christ with Frank and Marlin Poynor officiating. Burial will be in the Portales Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Smokey Ball, Leroy Burch, Mark Coleman, Dwayne Hardt, Hank Merrick, Jack Merrick, Nelson Rector, Earl Woods and Delbert Rector. Honorary Pallbearers will be all friends and family. Juanita Burkett was born in Poolville, TX, January 21, 1921 to Sherman and Zella Smith. She was raised and educated in the Poolville and Southland, TX school systems and was highly recognized as a woman's basketball standout. She was married December 2, 1939 in Alpine, TX to Elmo Burkett. They were married 52 years prior to his death on December 12, 1991. They moved from Tahoka, TX to their farm west of Portales in 1948 where they became well known for their Jersey Dairy Cattle. For 28 years, from 1963 until 1991, they jointly ran their insurance agency and the H&R Block franchise while continuing their real estate and agricultural interests. Juanita also served as a Roosevelt County elections official and insurance investigator. Juanita's vitality in life was dedicated to loving and giving to her family, her grandchildren and many friends. She was known for her determination, will, work ethic and positive attitude about whatever task she undertook and was often engaged in assisting others to help alleviate problems. She leaves a void that will never be filled. She was a lifelong member of the Church of Christ. She was preceded in death by her husband, Elmo; her parents, Sherman and Zella Smith; two brothers, Howard of Plainview, TX and Virgil of Slaton, TX. She is survived by three sons, Jerry of Portales, Jack of Albuquerque, Bill of Abilene, TX; one daughter, Bonnie Sue Tomlinson of Canyon, TX; and two grandchildren, Scott and Aaron Burkett of Dallas, TX.
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