Juanita Jeffrey Presley, 74, passed away on December 1, 2021. She was born in Yuba City, California, on September 14, 1947, to Wayne and Wanda Jeffrey. On June 8, 1968, she married the love of her life, Douglas Presley.
Juanita was a Christian, a member of the Baptist faith, and enjoyed teaching Sunday school. She was also a life-long learner and was very proud of receiving her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Special Education and Elementary Education from Arkansas State University; and a certification in Reading Recovery from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. She was an avid reader and was known for gifting her grandchildren many books. Juanita was a teacher for 36 years, mainly with the Batesville School District, and shared her passion for learning and reading with each student she taught. When she was not teaching, she traveled with her husband or sisters. She also loved antiquing. But most of all, she loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren. Juanita was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend whose memory will be cherished in the hearts of those that loved her.
She is survived by her loving husband of 53 years, Douglas Presley; daughters, Dana Presley Cosper (Chip) of St. Petersburg, FL and Jill Presley Cox (Cory) of Perryville, AR; sisters, Jeanne Jeffrey Huddle of Benton, AR, Judy Martin (James) of Williamsburg, VA, and Jinger Massey (Joel) of Salado, AR; grandchildren, Jackson Douglas Cosper, Jacob Presley Cox, and Emma Kate Cox; as well as many beloved cousins, nieces, nephews, and extended family. She is preceded in death by her parents, Wayne and Wanda Jeffrey.
A visitation will be held at Willis Funeral Service on Monday, December 6, 2021, from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. The funeral service, officiated by Chip Cosper, will follow the visitation, starting at 2 p.m. Interment will be at Locust Grove Cemetery.
