NEW HANOVER COUNTY — Juanita “Pete” Todd Keith was born in Columbus County, NC September 25, 1928 to Ode H. Todd and Orpha Jane Stevens. She grew up at Lake Waccamaw, NC. On January 6, 1952, she married William Franklin Keith, and they shared 68 wonderful years together.
Juanita worked for many years at the grocery store in Hanover Center. At first, it was Colonial Store, then Parker’s, and then Big Star. She fought the union for equal rights for part-time employees. As a longtime member of Winter Park Baptist Church, she was the nursery director for 30 years. She was a girl scout leader, a room mother, and an Avon representative.
She is survived by her three children: Gwen K Brown (Ken), Lynn K. Creech (Tony), and Ronald Keith; her five grandchildren: Ashley Creech, Jennifer Brown, Matthew Brown, Brandon Keith, and Carly Keith; her great grandchildren: Bentley Rivenbark, Eliza Brown, and Eady Brown. She was preceded in death by her husband, as well as her brothers, Lonnie and Marvin Todd and her sisters Ruth T. Young, Betty T. Ward, and Thelma “Mickey” Thompson.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Winter Park Baptist Church, 4700 Wrightsville Avenue, Wilmington, NC 28403.
