Juanita L. Kinnard

Juanita L. Kinnard (née Johnson) age 90, passed away peacefully on June 18, 2024, at Serenity Hospice in Hamilton, NJ. Born on February 19, 1934, to John A. and Emma M. (Farris) Johnson in Culleoka, Tennessee. Juanita was a cherished member of her community, a devoted follower of Grace Community Church, and a member of the West Ward Neighbor’s Group. Juanita's life was marked by her dedication to change and equality from growing up in the segregated south. She was married at 17 to Lester T. Kinnard (18) and moved to Nashville, TN. While her husband was serving in the United States Army, she attended Hume High School and became a Seamstress. She carried the values of education and hard work throughout her life. In the 1950s she moved to Jersey City, NJ, and broaden her prospects by becoming a Masonic member of “The Order Of The Eastern Star”. In the 1970s, she moved to Trenton, NJ and worked as an Aide at Junior High School #5. and began attending St. Paul C.M.E. Church under the Pastorate of Rev. Lyons. Around this time, she petitioned Mayor A. Holland and others local politicians for the right to equal employment. Eventually her diligence paid off and she became the first African American woman to work as a bus operator at NJ Transit (Mercer Metro) in 1977. Throughout her life she received numerous awards, honors, commendations and letters of recognition. In addition to her professional endeavors, Juanita had a passion for gardening, photography, and doting on her grandchildren, pursuits that brought joy not only to her but also to those she held dear. Her gardens were a testament to her patience and love for the beauty of nature, and her photographs captured the essence of her vibrant spirit. Juanita was preceded in death by her parents John A. and Emma M. Johnson (Farris), beloved husband, Lester T. Kinnard, and her sons, Terry L. and first wife Linda Allen, William E. Kinnard, Matthew C. Kinnard and wife Mary E. Brown, Oscar R. Johnson, Raymond OZ Kinnard and his grandchildren Christyna Bell and Jamal Laramore-Davis. She is survived by her youngest son Tyrone R. Kinnard, who will miss her deeply. She will be watching over her grand and great-grandchildren. Larry Allen, Towanda Davis (with children Quaesean Gilbert, Enaje' Davis, Timothy Davis); Deva (and Antron Loftin with children Naquan Kinnard, Eboni Kinnard, Shamare Loftin, Omaree Loftin, Shaquil Loftin). Ramona (and Willie D. Bell with children Shaheed Bell, Shaidaja Bell, Shaimyre Bell); Topanga M. Harmony, Tariq M. Kinnard-Greenfield (and Adrienna Nesbitt with daughter Saniyah S. Greenfield); Dymere (and Chanel Hunter with children Keirah, Ethan, Juliana, Azaliyah, Majur and Sylis), Rashonda J. Kinnard (with children Ahjanae, Jaklynn); Christopher Smith; great-great grandchildren Jamal Laramore-Davis Jr, Selah Kinnard and extended grandchildren, Jordan Brown-Milton, Lacole Alexander, Idris Northcutt, Cherise Williams and their families. Juanita's life was a beautiful tapestry of love, service, and devotion to her family and community. She will be remembered fondly by all who knew her. Services were held Wednesday, July 3, 2024, at Anderson Funeral Service, 300 North Willow Street, Trenton.

Juanita L. Kinnard

February 19, 1934 - June 18, 2024