Juanesta Irvine

Juanesta Irvine, transitioned to be with our Lord on Saturday, August 5, 2023, at her home in Kalamazoo, Michigan. She was 84 years old. Born on May 6, 1939, in Chicago, IL, Juanesta was the beloved daughter of Almore and Meadie (Brown) Freeman. Her journey brought her to the Kalamazoo area, where she spent the last seven years of her life. Prior to that, she resided in Edgard, LA, leaving an indelible mark on the lives she touched. Juanesta's compassionate spirit led her to a career as a dedicated nurse, a profession she embraced wholeheartedly. Her nurturing touch graced the halls of several nursing homes and hospitals, leaving a lasting impact on countless lives. She was a beacon of care and empathy, always ready to lend a helping hand to those in need. Juanesta was an active and cherished member of both the West St. John's Senior Center in Edgard and the Ecumenical Senior Center in Kalamazoo, there she formed lifelong friendships and shared countless heartwarming moments. Beyond her professional and community , Juanesta found solace and joy in the simple pleasures of life. She enjoyed gardening, caring for her pets, listening to music, watching sports, and spending time with her family. . Juanesta's legacy lives on through her loving children, Juanesta Phillips of Atlanta, GA, and Arthur (Daneshia Mayes) Irvine III of Kalamazoo. She had a dedicated hand in raising all of her grandchildren: Charlie Earl, Kaseem, and Vaniya Phillips, Nicole Hutton, Corebert Jackson, Ashley and Antara Chapman, Ariana Josiah Moore, Jaria Lynn and Jazmeen Irvine, Avery Drunenbrodt, Marishka Irvine, Kershaw Higgins, Khalil and King Mayes. She was also blessed to see her 9 great-grandchildren. Her nurturing influence extended to nieces Amelia Walker,Brigitte Brooks C., and Stephen Freeman as well as a vast network of nieces, nephews, dear cousins, and close friends. Juanesta was preceded in death by her beloved husband Arthur Irvine Jr. She was also preceded by her former husband Ralph Phillips and their daughters Debra Phillips Dukes and Paulette Phillips Jackson, sisters Gertrude Redmond and Carol McCarthy, brothers Otis, William, David, and John Freeman, and cherished grandson Emmanuel Phillips. In accordance with her wishes, Juanesta has been cremated, and her essence will be honored in a memorial service on Friday at 11AM, held at the First Congregational Church in Bangor. A final resting place for her remains will be with Monks Cemetery, Geneva Township.

Juanesta Irvine

May 6, 1939 - August 5, 2023