Juanita Johnson McGilvray

1937 - 2024

Juanita Johnson McGilvray went to be with her Lord on February 16, 2024. She passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family.

She was born Juanita Johnson on October 17, 1937, in Houston to Mazie and Alvin Johnson. She spent her formative years in Conroe, Texas graduating from Conroe High School in 1956. It was in Conroe at Travis Junior High that she met her future husband and soulmate, Troy Ellis McGilvray. She and Troy celebrated a wonderful love story and marriage that lasted for 66 years.

Juanita was active in both music and sports at a young age and those carried on into her adult years, especially her love of music. Her love for the Lord kept her active in church, volunteering and being surrounded by friends. After moving to Garland in 1965 she faithfully attended Calvary Baptist Church in Garland and was an active member of First Baptist Church of Garland in her later years. Always an avid reader, Juanita's thirst for knowledge and desire to learn new things continued throughout her whole life. She was an extremely devoted daughter, wife, mother, grandmother and friend. To those who knew her and loved her there was no one more loyal to have on your side in times of need.

Juanita is survived by her husband, Troy; her daughter, Leslie Bales and husband, Eddy of The Colony, Texas; and son, Stuart McGilvray and his wife, Tammie of Lake Worth, Fla. She also has two grandchildren, Kelsey Cruz, her husband, Jordan, and Nathan Kreatschman. She is also survived by her sister, Wanda Wiggins; as well as numerous brothers-in-law; sisters-in-law; nieces, and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Alvin and Mazie Johnson; and her daughter, Susan.

Visitation will be held at the First Baptist Church of Garland at 9:00 a.m., on Thursday, February 22, with services to follow at 10:00 a.m. Interment will be at 3:30 p.m., at Arnold Cemetery in Alto, Texas.