03/24/2026
Juanita Justis Clary Gupton
Juanita Justis Clary Gupton, formerly of Wilson, N.C., died March 24, 2026, at UNC Rex Rehabilitation and Nursing Care Center of Raleigh. She was 88 years old, having been born December 26, 1937, in Macon, N.C. to the late Lawrence and Gracie Clary.
One week after Juanita's birth, the Clarys moved to Valentines, Virginia. At the age of 10, Juanita and her family moved back to Macon, where she lived until her graduation from John Graham High School in 1956. After graduation, Juanita moved to Alexandria, Virginia where she was employed for two years as a clerical worker with the Federal government.
In 1958, Juanita married Elton Gupton and they moved to Rocky Mount, N.C. where they lived until moving to Wilson in 1960. Elton and Juanita soon became members of New Hope Baptist Church, where they were both very involved in the life of the church. Juanita actively served New Hope in many various capacities for over 60 years.
In addition to her church activities, Juanita embraced her lifelong love of sports by competing in softball and bowling leagues. She played on city league softball teams and travel teams that played in tournaments throughout the state. For many years Juanita not only participated in local bowling leagues and on teams that traveled across the country, she was also employed at Westview Lanes in Wilson. She always enjoyed interacting with people at the bowling lanes, whether it be through her bowling there or her working there. One particularly rewarding period was when she accepted the opportunity to teach a bowling class for students from Atlantic Christian College. In subsequent years, Juanita worked as a salesperson at Hardee's Furniture Warehouse, where she again took pleasure in her dealings with customers and her fellow employees.
Traveling throughout the United States was something that Juanita also liked to do on a regular basis. She and Elton, along with their friends Durwood and Patsy Vick, took trips of varying durations to different states, always making sure to see the capital city of each state. Ultimately, they visited 49 of the 50 state capitals.
Juanita was preceded in death by her husband Elton Gupton, her parents, and her brother M.C. Clary.
Juanita is survived by her daughters, Tammy Miller (Kevin) and Laura Strickland (Cliff); grandchildren, Ryan Miller (Katie), Rhett Miller (Krystie), Elizabeth Simaan (Eli), and Andrew Strickland; great-grandchildren, Sally Miller, Mila Simaan, Sarah Miller, Jack Miller, Ezra Simaan, and Julianne Miller; brother, Norman Clary; and numerous nieces and nephews.
The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to the caregivers at UNC Rex Rehabilitation and Nursing Care Center of Raleigh. The outstanding personal attention provided for Juanita was greatly appreciated.
Juanita's funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, March 28, 2026 at Joyner's Funeral Home, 4100 Raleigh Road Parkway, Wilson. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 10:00 a.m. - 10:45 a.m. A graveside service will follow at 2:30 p.m. in Gardner's Baptist Church Cemetery, 968 Church Hill Road, Macon, North Carolina.
Memorials may be directed to the Baptist Children's Homes of North Carolina, PO Box 338, Thomasville, N.C. 27361.
Condolences directed to Joyner’s Funeral Home and Crematory at www.joyners.net.
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