Juanita Mae Futrell

Longtime Smithville resident, Juanita Mae Futrell, 78, entered her heavenly home on November 14, 2020.

She was born on April 7, 1942 in Smithville, Oklahoma at the home of her parents, Nicholas and Nora C. (Mowdy) Bohanan. Juanita attended school in Smithville,  graduating high school in 1962. She moved to Tonkawa and completed the Cosmetology program at Chilocco School. In 1966 she married her beloved husband, Zealey, in Hot Springs, AR. She and Zealey soon moved back to her hometown of Smithville and made their home together. Juanita was a 50 year charter member of the Indian Baptist Church in Smithville.

Juanita was a very hard worker. At one time she planted trees and would easily keep up with the male workers. Juanita also worked for many years as a bus driver, head start teacher, and cook. She was a very loving mother and cared for family with passion. She even shared her heart and home with many foster children. Juanita began working for Choctaw Nation in 2004 as a cook, still caring for those in her community. She was even nominated as the Choctaw Nation “Most Outstanding Elder”.

When she wasn’t working, she enjoyed gardening and watching birds, especially her chickens she raised. She had a golden heart that will be cherished by all who knew her.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Zealey Futrell; one sister, Virgie June Shelley;  one brother, Mike Caldwell; and one nephew, Nicky Bohanan.

Juanita leaves to honor her life, two children, Albert Futrell and his wife, Alisha, of Smithville, Eddie Bohanan and his wife, Paula, of Muse, OK; one brother, Jerry Bohanan and his wife, Dusty, of Smithville; three sisters, Maxine Umsted of Smithville, Ramona Mollar of Cove, AR, Sue Tait and Dean Thompson of Broken Bow; six grandchildren, Melanie Bailey and her husband, Tristan, Lanie Futrell, Trevan Futrell, Taitan Futrell, Charity Balzanna and her husband, Sean, Faith Kirt and her husband, Justin; five great grandchildren, Weston Webb, Lillian Balzanna, Eli Balzanna, Jordan Balzanna and Adalyn Kirt; special friends, Waymond and Ellen Cooper; her Indian Baptist Church family; and many other family and friends.

Visiting hours will be from 6:00 – 8:00 PM, Monday evening at the funeral home.

Graveside funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM, Tuesday, November 17, 2020 at Smithville Cemetery, Smithville, OK. Pastor Brandon White will officiate. 

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