Juanita Adams Spight Hanna was born on July 6, 1935 to Butler Adams and Mabel Lavern Estes Adams in Kosciusko, Mississippi. Juanita was a spirited and precocious young lady, spending many of her days playing with her uncles, Luther and Nathaniel Estes. She also participated in Church activities. Her father, Butler, passed away when she was 3 years old. After which, she and her sister Helen Ruth spent more time with their maternal and paternal grandparents (Nathan Estes and Emma Micou Estes and Adolphus Adams and Narcissus Adams.)

Juanita attended school in Kosciusko, Mississippi. She graduated from High School in 1952. Later, she graduated from Tougaloo College in Jackson Mississippi with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education. Juanita was an excellent student, popular Majorette, and a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. She also received her Masters in Education from Mississippi State University, while excelling as an accomplished pianist.

Juanita moved to Chicago in the 1960s and inspired many young minds as a dedicated elementary school teacher with the Chicago Public School System. Juanita was able to incorporate her love of music into her classroom as the music teacher as well. During that time, She met and married Donald Spight. Their time together was short lived. Donald preceded her in death after seven months of marriage. In her later years, she wed Edward Hanna, who preceded her in death in March 2024.

When she retired from teaching in 1998, Juanita returned to Kosciusko to share 20 years of caring and companionship with her mother Mabel. Mabel Adams Lowery Carson passed away in August 2009. Juanita not only lost her mother, but a dear companion. During that time, they traveled, managed properties and grew in their fellowship at Wesley United Methodist Church. Wesley was an important part of their lives and Juanita continued in that spirit. Juanita provided accompaniment to the Church choir at Sunday Services and often gave her time and talent at other Wesley events.

In 2022, Juanita moved to Sun Prairie, Wisconsin to spend time with her beloved niece and nephew, Tracy Hill-Mosley and Roy C. Hill II. In those four years they were finally able to spend all Christmases and birthdays together with a new generation. They shared many laughs, stories and some struggles, but became closer as a family.

Juanita was a fierce supporter and advocate for her family. She was also a generous aunt to us all. Our love for her grew ten-fold as we shared many days together. She will be profoundly missed. Juanita passed peacefully in her home in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin from complications associated with advanced dementia.

Juanita was also preceded in death by her sister, Helen Ruth Hill and her nephew Richard Butler Hill. Juanita leaves to treasure her memory: Uncle Eulice Estes (Detroit, Mi.); Uncle Nathaniel (Rainy) Estes (Denver, Co); Nephew Roy C. Hill II (Milwaukee, Wi.); Niece Tracy A. Hill-Mosley (Sun Prairie, Wi.); Nieces: Chantal Mosley; Kristin Mosley (Victor Delgado); Rain M. Delgado-Mosley (Sun Prairie, Wi.); Alise Mosley-Porter (Davud) ( Fitchburg, Wi.)Nephews: Freddie A. Mosley IV; Ares M. Delgado-Mosley and many dear cousins and friends.

Visitation will be from 11-12PM (noon) on Friday, July 24, 2026 at Capitol City Sanctuary, 4200 Buckeye Rd, Madison, WI 53716 with a funeral service to begin at 12:00 PM. Juanita will be brought to her final place Highland Memory Gardens of rest immediately following services.

If you are not able to join us in person, please register at the following website to view the service: https://event.forgetmenotceremonies.com/ceremony?c=ad58362c-5d2e-4a6d-89e1-2f10e71a42b1 

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

The family of Juanita Spight Hanna would like to express our deep appreciation for all of the kind words and support during this time.

MAY GOD BLESS YOU ALL

Cress Funeral Service

1310 Emerald Terrace, Sun Prairie, WI 53590

608-837-9054