Juanita Oats

Juanita Joyce Oats, beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother and great-great grandmother, passed away on Saturday, January 7, 2023 at her home in Elmo. Juanita was born February 29, 1928 in Cunningham, Tx to Curtis William and Rubye Zelma (Hobbs) Yancey, both of whom met her joyfully in Heaven along with Juanita’s husband, Weldon Ray Oats, brothers, Rayford and Jack Yancey and grandsons: Brian, Brannon and Richard (Richie) Oats. Juanita spent most of her young life in Cunningham, just outside Paris, Tx. When Juanita was 13, her mother passed away and she became the primary caregiver of her siblings due to their father having to travel to Paris for work during the week. In November, 1945 she married Weldon Oats and together they raised a beautiful family until his passing in 1972. Her greatest accomplishment other than being a devoted wife was that she raised her eight children, each of whom were her pride and joy, with love, faith and a strong work ethic. She was a salesclerk at JC Penney in Terrell for over 33 years and her smile and friendly personality made instant friends of every customer that walked in the door. Juanita enjoyed spending time with her kids, traveling with her friends, and loved helping others. She was a faithful servant of the Lord all of her life and she was a member of Crossover Baptist Church. A true example of a Southern lady who always practiced hospitality, generosity and kindness, Juanita will be forever cherished and never forgotten. Her legacy of unconditional love will continued to be carried on by her 8 children: Denny Oats and wife, Alma, of Terrell, Gary Oats and wife, Ramona, of Wills Point, Ronald Oats and wife, Lila, of Elmo, Darlene Ward and husband, Ron, of Canton, Bobby Oats and wife, Brenda, of Elmo, Vicky Bunch and husband, James, of Terrell, Anna Warner and husband, Luke, of Grand Saline and Tami Wallace and husband, William, of Terrell; 14 grandchildren; 35 great grandchildren; 4 great-great grandchildren; sisters: Ruth Meyer of Deer Park, Tx and Nelda Swaim of Paris, Tx as well as nieces, nephews, many beloved extended family and countless friends, each of whom loved Juanita dearly and will greatly miss her. Funeral service will be at 11:00am, Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2023 at Oak Grove Baptist Church, 11243 CR 352, Terrell, Tx, 75161 with interment to follow at Elmo Cemetery. Her family will receive friends 5:00pm to 8:00pm, Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2023 at Max Slayton Funeral Chapel. In honor of her generous heart, Mrs. Oats' family requests that memorials be made to Oak Grove Baptist Church PO BOX 173, Elmo, Texas 75118 or to Elmo Cemetery Association, P.O. Box 150 Elmo, Tx. 75118.

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Juanita Oats

January 7, 2023