Search Results

DEWITT, JUANDA Juanda Sawyer DeWitt, age 90, died peacefully after a long illness on December 7, 2014. Born near Bridgeport, TX, in 1924, Juanda is survived by daughters Carol Roeske husband Stan, and Gwen Sawyer husband George Bakula; granddaughters Annie Strohl husband Will, and Regina Clifford; great-grandson George Glisson, all of Albuquerque; as well as numerous relatives by marriage. She was preceded in death by her husband, and by her father James Fred Howard, mother Nora Leona (Stoneking) Howard of Odessa, TX, and her sister Donnella (Howard) Totten of San Antonio, TX. Juanda was a spirited Texas tomboy who moved to Albuquerque in 1952 when her husband John Sawyer was transferred to Kirtland AFB. She began a career as an independent insurance agent, and was elected president of the Albuquerque Insurance Women's club and then regional president of the National Association of Insurance Women. She and her family were active in Trinity Methodist Church in the 1950's and 1960's, where she taught first grade Sunday school. With her husband, she joined Civil Air Patrol in 1948 and rose to the rank of Lt Col in New Mexico Wing CAP. She learned to fly while her daughters were in junior high school, and was active in the KAFB Aero Club. When her marriage ended in divorce, she married John DeWitt. They relocated to Phoenix, AZ, in 1970, and she remained there until 2005. She continued in the insurance industry and retired from Fireman's Fund Insurance Company in 1987. In retirement, she read voraciously and traveled to visit family. She returned to Albuquerque in 2005 to be near her daughters, and enjoyed her extended family. In her last years she enjoyed dancing and flirting with her family and caretakers, listening to big band music, and eating chocolate. The family is grateful for the excellent care and friendship Juanda received at Montebello on Academy and The Retreat in Rio Rancho. A memorial service will be held Friday, December 19th at 10:00 am at Daniels Family Funeral Chapel at 3113 Carlisle NE. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Alzheimer's Association, NM Chapter, or to the charity of your choice. To view information or leave a condolence please visit www.danielsfuneral.com Daniels Family Funeral Services - Alameda Mortuary 9420 Fourth St. NW Albuquerque, NM 87114 505-898-3160
        Published on: Thu December 18, 2014