Juanita Abernathy

Juanita Abernathy

Juanita Abernathy Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Sep. 13, 2019.
Juanita Abernathy was one of the last remaining civil rights leaders who were there at the beginning of the modern Civil Rights Movement. The wife of civil rights giant Rev. Ralph Abernathy, she was actively involved in the movement, especially as the Montgomery Bus Boycott lit a spark that brought nationwide attention to the civil rights struggle.

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July 26, 2025

Gail Denise rumph posted to the memorial.

January 14, 2024

CHARLES SADLER posted to the memorial.

September 30, 2020

Someone posted to the memorial.

190 Entries

Gail Denise rumph

July 26, 2025

God bless yo family happy Dr. Martin Luther king Jr day third Monday of January 2026. I am a fan of dr. Juanita Odessa jones and Ralph Abernathy civil rights books, DVD's, movies etc. with Dr. Mlk jr and dr. Coretta scott king civil rights books DVD's movies etc. / God bless yall rest in peace . Jesus is risen, bye, miss. Gail Denise rumph

CHARLES SADLER

January 14, 2024

I WENT TO PUBLIC SCHOOL AND TRANSPORTATION THROUGH THE CIVIL RIGHTS MOVEMENT. GOD BLESS.

September 30, 2020

God is a God of all Comfort and he will Comfort the family's..My heartfelt condolences to the family's

Yvette Jones-Smedley

March 7, 2020

Mrs. Abernathy was one of the two Mothers of the Civil Rights Movement that began in Montgomery, AL. She remained that beacon of light throughout her life. She will be missed.

November 28, 2019

My deepest sympathy on your loss and may God comfort you during this difficult time.

New York

November 17, 2019

May the God of all comfort,comforts the family in this difficult time

Gloria Easley

October 25, 2019

To Kuawmi and sisters: As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you be comforted by the love and support of family and friends. I was blessed to have the honor of knowing your mother. My sisters and I were in attendance at the wedding of your parents. My dad was Booker T. I last saw Aunt Juanita in June of 2002 at the home of Aunt Norm in Montgomery. I'm so sorry to learn of her passing. She was a virtuous woman. May our Lord continue to wrap His loving arms around you and your family. Gloria "Luv" Easley of Chicago, Illinois

MARY TURNER-GOODING

October 23, 2019

RIH. THANKS FOR UR SERVICES!!!! Well Done thy Good and Faithful Servent. Rest Well

VH

October 19, 2019

Mrs Abernathy and her husband made great accomplishments in the Civil Rights movement and are to be commended. The children and family should be very proud. I offer the family my condolences.

This photo was taken in 2014 at Mrs. Abernathy's home.

James Peterson

October 10, 2019

Mrs. Juanita Jones Abernathy was truly my dear friend. I worked closely with her and Dr. Ralph David Abernathy beginning in 1984 and before then in the Poor People's Campaign in Washington, DC in 1968 during the period of the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The passing of Mrs. Abernathy is a painful period in my life as we spoke sometimes daily and it has created an unfillable void and brought to end an unforgettable historical time when genuine friendship meant more than material things and gave one a peace of mind. She is gone, but never to be forgotten.

Mrs. Juanita Jones Abernathy and James Peterson

James Peterson

October 10, 2019

October 2, 2019

God is a God of all Comfort and he will Comfort the Family's...My condolences...

Augusta Allen-Hardy

September 28, 2019

We were college classmates and friends. We were Tennessee State graduates in the Class of 1951. I visited her home and we met several times since our graduation. I will miss just knowing she is no longer around.

Vincent Bridges

September 23, 2019

To the family sorry for your loss may God bless and keep God in your life stay blessed from Vincent Bridges and family

Dwayne Bickham, Sr.

September 22, 2019

In God's care, rest in peace.

Lee and Shirley June

September 22, 2019

To: Mr. Kwame Abernathy and the Abernathy Family. We very fondly remember Mrs. Juanita Abernathy and her keynote lectures in the greater Lansing, Michigan area (for the Dr. William Anderson Slavery to Freedom Lecture series, the Dr. Martin Luther King Holiday Luncheon, and the Black Religion and Spirituality Conference). She also met with our church group during a bus trip to the Atlanta area. The generosity of her time and the deep and inspiring words she shared are much appreciated. We regret we are not able to be with you in person for the celebration of her life and legacy, but you and the entire Abernathy family are in our thoughts and prayers. Lee and Shirley June (East Lansing, Michigan).

Bernice Varnado-Norman

September 22, 2019

Thank you for being a woman of character and your march for the civil rights struggle. Your earthly works was done until the Lord. May God strengthen your family during this time of sorrows.

Sherrill Marcus

September 20, 2019

God's will has been done. Rest in Heaven.

Brenda Sullivan

September 20, 2019

With Deepest Sympathy to the Family

Fran Parker

September 20, 2019

Thanks for making history and telling" herstory" in an inspiring, truthful way.
Condolences to the family

C Charles Grier

September 20, 2019

Sending sincere expressions of condolences and prayers.

Elizabeth E. Bell

September 20, 2019

I was happy for the times that I spent with Juanita whom I met through our mutual friend, Marguerite Creecy. She was so inspiring and I have loved hearing about "the struggle" from someone so up close and personal to the actual events. I was always so proud to be in her presence. From our very first meeting she has always treated me as a friend. She will be sorely missed. Take your rest, my friend.
Elizabeth Bell, Philadelphia, PA.

September 19, 2019

My condolences to the family. Ms. Abernathy fought To let everyone understand that God is not partial, but in every nation the man who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him

Kevin Joseph

September 19, 2019

Eternal rest granted unto the soul of Mrs. Abernathy . Thank you for sharing your life with America, because of you I am able to walk the streets of America, as a proud educated black male. Abernathy Family you are in my thoughts and prayers. God will take care of your family, just like he took care of your Mother all these years. RIP Mother Abernathy

Sharron Paige Whitaker

September 19, 2019

Kwame Abernathy, on behalf of A.S.A.L.H. Atlanta branch, we pray that you and your loved ones find peace in knowing that the legacy of your familys place in History makes us proud.

The Optimus Literacy Institute of America, Inc.

September 19, 2019

"From the fruit of their lips people are filled with good things, and the works of their hands bring them reward." Proverbs 12:14 (NIV).

Forever Grateful; Rest In Peace.

Kathi Vaughn-Malpress, Ed.D.

September 19, 2019

To the Abernathy Family; We give Praises and thanks to God for Mrs. Juanita, and we thank you for sharing the love of your Mother, Grandmother, Aunt, Sister and Sister-in-law with ALL of us. Be assured EVERYBODY that knew her and/of her, LOVED HER.

We pray God's comforting strength upon each of you, and that your family will find solace in loving joyful memories, and the
spirit of her love.

Without a doubt, Mrs. Juanita Abernathy will live on forever through our commitment to Civil Rights, and especially through our continued works as Negro Women; because Mrs. Juanita Abernathy was THERE, we are HERE. Praise God.

Valenda Newell

September 18, 2019

In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.

Annie Goines

September 18, 2019

Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.

Joseph D. Richburg

September 18, 2019

Hello Kwame,

I pray for God's strength to your family. I know your Mom is very proud of all of you.

Joseph D. Richburg

Brenda Williams

September 18, 2019

Ms. Abernathy and her husband worked hard to help all people know and respect how God feels about all of us. He is not partial, but in every nation the man who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him. Ms. Abernathy's whole life was based upon that basic Bible principle. We are all so thankful for all her work!

Sheraunda Biske

September 18, 2019

Our family would like to offer our sincere condolences to Mrs. Abernathy's family. We remember Mrs. Abernathy for the kindness, beauty, and truth that she exuded. She was an inspiration to many and we feel fortunate to have been able to call her friend. Dolores Jordan, Sheraunda Biske, and Family

September 18, 2019

To The Abernathy Family: "For None Of Us Lives To Himself,And No Man Dies To Himself. For If We Live, We Live To The Lord, And If We Die, We Die To The Lord. Whether We Live, Therefore, Or Die, We Are The Lord's." --Romans 14:7-8; Sincere Empathy, Sympathy, And Love, The White Family, New Port Richey, FL

Arlene Canty

September 18, 2019

Thank you for paving the way today. As we keep on fight for our rights.

Kevin Arkadie

September 18, 2019

You walked the long walk, every step of it! Thank you. You are inspiration.

Rashad S.Hameed

September 18, 2019

Allah's choicest blessings to you,you are now a guest of the master.

Hope

September 17, 2019

Take your rest woman of the most High God you sure earned it. Thank you for your service in helping shape and form a more perfect union. We still have a ways to go. But, one day we will truly overcome.

Lydia Wynn

September 17, 2019

RIP good and faithful servant.Job well done. My mentor and teacher in Mary Kay. You have earned your crown.

Charles Lawrence

September 17, 2019

How Awesome as a kid to be in the presence of Mrs. Abernathy as a young kid during the 70's at West Hunter Street Baptist Church. She was an Awesome example of Devotion, Compassion, Faith and Love that not only touch her immediate and Church Family but many others around the World. So Thankful to have known her . MY Condolences to Juandalyn , Donzaleigh and Kwame...

September 17, 2019

Our sincere condolences to the Abernathy family. May the God of all comfort provide you all the strength to cope with your loss

Edna / jesse Hayes

September 17, 2019

Sorry for the family loss; we are praying for the family

Thomasine Beck

September 17, 2019

Praying God's loving arms of comfort surround all of the family today and always. She was a wonderful, loving woman of God and will always be in our hearts!

Beverly Roan

September 17, 2019

Another Pioneer gone to her heavenly rest RIP Mrs.Abernathy

A woman who appreciates

September 17, 2019

My sincere condolences to the family of this GREAT woman. Thank you for stomping for me to have the rights I have today. A life well lived.

Lee

September 17, 2019

My condolences go out to the Abernathy family on the death of Juanita. She will be missed by many.

What a legacy.

Karon Beasley

September 17, 2019

Mrs. Abernathy and I had found a friendship with one another around 1995 or so, I truly had no idea of who she was and didn't understand her rich history and part in the Civil Rights movement. Mrs. Abernathy was witty, wise and a friend to me when I needed one. Enjoyed our visits and phone calls, what a great lady.
God bless all the many that loved her and will miss her.
Karon Beasley

Elizabeth Price

September 16, 2019

Sending love and peace to Juanita's family. We shared a special friendship for many years.

Carol Lewis

September 16, 2019

Rest in Sweet Heavenly Peace. Sending prayers of love and Peace to your family. Thank you for your great work. In the Name of Justice and Fairness. We honor you.

Dee Marshall

September 16, 2019

Thank you for your civil rights service to our country and it is iconic that your transition took place during 400 years of Perseverance of African Americans in America -

September 16, 2019

Thank you for your sacrifices, and courage during the most tumultuous times in our country's history. Our debt to you, your husband, and many others can never be fully paid. Test in peace!

September 16, 2019

My condolences to the family. She and her husband was well known for their activity in the actual beginning of civil rights. May the God of Comfort be with the family during this difficult time.

Adraine Hindman

September 16, 2019

Mrs. Abernathy:

RIP

Carol Clemmons

September 16, 2019

A beautiful flower gone too soon yet a wonderful life lived full of cherished memories with her family. My condolences to the Abernathy Family.

Roderick Casey

September 16, 2019

Thank you Mother Abernathy for your part in opening the doors to fairness , dignity, equal rights and prosperity for the poor and people of color.
Job well done!
May you rest in peace until next time.

Lynn Brown

September 16, 2019

Rest well, Mrs. Abernathy! Rest well!

Rita Brinkley

September 16, 2019

Mrs. Abernathy, may you rest in the arms of our
Savior; may God give comfort to the family in your time of bereavement.

Debbie Richerson

September 16, 2019

I am so sorry to hear of Mrs. Abernathy's passing. We can say that she lived a full and meaningful life, as she participated in the Civil Rights Movement. I pray her family will be blessed with the strength needed as they celebrate her life and legacies. May GOD continue to bless you all.

Yolanda Williams-Favors

September 16, 2019

Aunt Juanita was a wonderful spirit who always greeted me with a smile. She was one of those people in my life that I do not remember not knowing. I loved and cherished her and Ralph dearly.

Susan Stevenson

September 16, 2019

Rest In Peace. I'm praying for family and friends. You were an Angel on Earth.

Lindy Tuttle

September 15, 2019

May her memory be for many blessings . Love to her family .

Donna Akiba Harper

September 15, 2019

Deepest condolences to the Abernathy family and to all the close friends of Mrs. Juanita Abernathy. Her amazing legacy will continue to live on. May God comfort you and may God welcome her with open arms to an eternity of Heavenly peace.

Alderman Clarence Scutter

September 15, 2019

Another link in the Civil Rights Movement chain has been broken.
Our young people should study the struggle of the movement.
Our deepest to the family and may God strengthen you.

Randy Williams

September 15, 2019

A wonderful spirit. She will be missed.

Clara Ransom

September 15, 2019

You have my condolences and prayers!

Anita Arnold

September 15, 2019

Deepest condolences to the family, especially, Dr. Abernathy and his wife Carletta and their children. We are thinking about you in Oklahoma. R. I. P. Mrs. Juanita Abernathy. We are praying comfort for your family.

Rose M. Graham

September 15, 2019

Years ago,I was a member of West Hunter Street Baptist Church while in Graduate School in Atlanta. I got to know Mrs. Abernathy and her family. She was always very encouraging to me in my efforts to complete my work for the MS Degree. She was down- to-earth and very easy to know. My condolences to her children, grandchildren, and other family members. Cherish your memories of her and and know that while she is now absent from you, she is present with the Lord.

Dr. Dimetrous Nixon

September 15, 2019

Thanks for your continued fight for justice.

Leah Sears

September 15, 2019

I can't thank Mrs. Abernathy enough for her service and sacrifice.

Michael Nelson

September 15, 2019

Thank you for fighting for us. Rest In Peace.

Connie Emerson

September 15, 2019

Sending my Heartfelt Condolences to the Family..Thank you Mrs. Juanita for your courage to help us live better..The fight will continue as you take your rest in Heaven.

pamela patrom

September 15, 2019

Well done good and faithful servant.

Gerry Rago Carpenter

September 14, 2019

An amazing leader and role model and mother. My love to your family.
Dear one, Donz....love you.
Gerry Rago Carpenter

Robert Avery

September 14, 2019

Well done good and FAITHFUL Servant..

September 14, 2019

Our condolences and heartfelt prayers go out to the family. May the God of tender mercies and all comfort be with you all during this most difficult time. Please know that our Heavenly Father feels your pain and will grant you all an abundance of love, peace and comfort. Your beautiful Mother left a wonderful legacy through her works, touching the lives of so many people!



MM, Jackson Mississippi

Drs. Charles and Shirley Hart

September 14, 2019

The transition of Juanita Abernathy leaves the United States of America and the world void of an unsung hero. She was an integral part of the civil rights movement and will be remembered for the unconditional support she gave to her husband, The Reverend Dr. Ralph David Abernathy, as he labored with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. fighting for freedom and equal rights.

September 14, 2019

With sincerest condolences to the Abernathy family. May God comfort you. And may your sadness soon be replaced with the many fond memories of good times shared.

Bro.Alvin Stephens

September 14, 2019

My deepest sympathy to the family and Kappa Bro. Narvin Yarbrough.

Elnora Taylor

September 14, 2019

You were such a legend , a missionary and a disciple by heart. You did God's will. Take your rest for you fought a good fight. Because of strong people like you we as a people are able to walk in the confidence knowing that we are important even with our dark skin and kinky hair. We know that we are smart and are God's chosen people. May God bless your family and keep them in His care.

September 14, 2019

The life you lived truly had spoken for you ,May your soul find rest beyond the river. My heartfielt prayers and deepest sympathies are extended.

Artis

NorveLa "SonShine" FLuddrice & Children......WaKeane A. Rice, Denim Rice,

September 14, 2019

HearTfeLt Condolences & SympaThy is sent your way.......in the loss of your....s-hero- lady of civilrights.... continue to prAy as this lighTed candLe is senT your way.......god's bLessing be sTored upon all her famiLy members, loVe-one's & fRiends........ keepchangecoming......thegloRyis-2-god......

BRY

September 14, 2019

Sincere condolences to the family, May you be comforted with Gods holy sprit and his word comfort as you cope with your dear loss.

Robenia & John Rivers

September 14, 2019

To Mrs. Abernathy family, please accept our condolences. May she Rest In Peace.

Yulonda Stevens

September 14, 2019

Mrs. Abernathy, we cant thank you and thank God enough for you. You laid down your life in committed the service of the Lord and in service to his people. Your light will forever make this world a brighter place. Now, receive your crown and we'll see you later.
Our condolences and prayers for the family.

Russella Pettiway

September 14, 2019

Mrs. Abernathy will be missed by many. I looked forward to seeing her every election at the precinct I served as a Poll Official. Her dedication and commitment to the Movement of all people having the right and duty to vote resonated each and every time. I know the Lord welcomes her saying well done my faithful servant' . Rest In Peace...

September 14, 2019

My deepest condolences to the Abernathy family, so sorry for your loss, truly a wonderful person that will be missed..

C M

September 14, 2019

Rest In Heaven Miss Juan!

Kathleen Collins

September 14, 2019

Ms. Abernathy was a brave soldier and lived to tell the story so many years afterwards. May God give you the family strength to continue to remember her legacy. RIP Ms. Abernathy

J. Gregory Griffin

September 13, 2019

My most sincere condolences! May her works continue to praise her and give light to those who are mandated to persevere. Much love and respect, always.

September 13, 2019

She and her husband were on the front lines during the civil rights movement and have left their footprints in our hearts. May Juanita Rest In Peace and may her family find comfort in the memories of her wonderful life.

Vaden Anderson

September 13, 2019

To be absent from the body, is to be present with the Lord.

You see, earth is not the Christian's home. It is our temporary residence until we get home.

Vaden Anderson

September 13, 2019

To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.

You see, earth is not the Christians home, it is our temporary residence until we get home.

September 13, 2019

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July 26, 2025

Gail Denise rumph posted to the memorial.

January 14, 2024

CHARLES SADLER posted to the memorial.

September 30, 2020

Someone posted to the memorial.