Juanita Denton Pippins

Juanita Denton Pippins, a woman whose life was well- lived and was well-loved passed away peacefully surrounded by family on May 15, 2020, at the age of 96.

Mrs. Pippins was born on June 26, 1923, in Hallsville, Texas, to her late parents Clarence Denton and Leola Brown Denton. 

Growing up in the Mt. Pleasant community of Hallsville, Mrs. Pippins met her future husband, Bobbie Joe. They married on August 28, 1943, in Longview, Texas. After marriage, the couple settled in Longview raising 14 children and celebrating 58 years of marriage before his death in 2001.

A woman of limited education, Mrs. Pippins as wise as they came. At an early age, Mrs. Pippins was taught by her father and stepmother, Dollie, the importance of hard work. An idea that she carried throughout her life. So much so, she was employed as a domestic worker over 58 years – with one employer. She retired at the age of 88. Before that, she worked as one of the first African Americans, male or female, in East Texas' nursing homes.

You would often hear Mrs. Pippins boast about her church. As a respected member for almost 75 years of the Friendship Baptist Church, she was active until her illness. Mrs. Pippins' roles at the church included church secretary, mission president, Sunday School secretary, usher, Vacation Bible School yell leader, and opinionated Mother of the Church.

Mrs. Pippins' hobbies included quilting, cooking and baking, and crossword puzzles. Mrs. Pippins enjoyed these hobbies at home and among other friends throughout the senior community. She said many times that a quilt piece and a batch of teacakes had afforded her lifelong friendships.

Mrs. Pippins was a devoted and loving mother. She was very proud of her family and was an excited grandmother, great grandmother and great-great grandmother. Mrs. Pippins loved holidays and family get-to-togethers. Any opportunity to spend time with her family was important to her. She also enjoyed visits from cousins, nieces and nephews, and friends from the neighborhood.

Preceding her in death are her parents; stepmother, Dollie Hill Denton; her husband Bobbie Joe Pippins; sisters Velma Glaspie and Birtha Denton; a brother Clarence Denton; Child 15, “Baby” Pippins; three grandsons LaDarvian George, Aquiche Pippins, Jordan Henderson; and granddaughter Angel Randall.

Leaving to cherish Mrs. Pippins' precious memories are her beloved sister, Clara Crayton and four generations of Pippinses including fourteen children: Linda (Harold) Mayo, Larry (Barbara), Jean (Jerriel) Dixon, Alice, Tommie, Kenneth (Cheryl), Deborah, Samuel, Phyllis (Larry) Rose, Sheron, Cedric (Linda), Renita, Lisa, and Brad (Darkecia); 35 grandchildren, 51 great-grandchildren, and 33 great-great-grandchildren. Other special children include Bobbie Ann Pippins, Katie Coghlan, Kelly Coghlan, Rick McLeroy, Kay Bechtold and Randy McLeroy. Additionally, Mrs. Pippins also leaves behind a host nieces and nephews, her Friendship Baptist Church family and her Bivin's Addition family.

Mrs. Pippins was known for her feisty, yet good sense of humor, quick wit and unconditional, non-judgmental love. She will be missed by all that knew and loved her.

Family and friends will gather at the Lakeview Memorial Gardens, 5000 W. Harrison Rd., Longview, on Saturday, May 23, 2020, at 11:00 AM. Visitation will be at Craig Funeral Home located at 2001 S. Green Street in Longview on Friday, May 22, 2020 from 1:00 PM until 5:00 PM. Social distancing will be enforced both during visitation and during the graveside service.

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