Juanita Louise Womac Scarbrough

1942 - 2025

Juanita Louise Womac Scarbrough

Born: December 6, 1942 | Died: October 19, 2025

Juanita Louise (Womac) Scarbrough, age 82, of Athens, TN, passed away peacefully at Parkwest Medical Center October 19, 2025, after a courageous battle with cancer. Born December 6, 1942 in Norfolk, Virginia, she was the beloved daughter of the late Dewey E. Womac (February 10, 1945) and Edna Wilson Womac (May 9, 1999). A lifelong resident of McMinn County, Juanita was a devoted member of East Athens Baptist Church, where she faithfully served as church organist for over 25 years. Her life was a testament to a deep love of music, teaching, and service to others.

She was a 1960 graduate of McMinn County High School. Juanita continued her education at Tennessee Wesleyan College where she earned her bachelor's degree. She later earned her master's degree from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.

Juanita began teaching private piano lessons in the early 1960's and continued for over 15 years, inspiring a lifelong appreciation of music in hundreds of students. She taught at area elementary schools during the school day and also in her home.

Her professional teaching career began in the Athens City School System, where she taught multiple grades at Westside Elementary School before transferring to City Park Elementary. There, she found her true passion of teaching Kindergarten for 25 years. She was widely loved and respected by colleagues, students, and parents alike, and was honored as system-wide "Teacher of the Year."

In addition to her career in education, Juanita was an active member and treasurer of the Tennessee Wesleyan chapter of Alpha Delta Kappa, an international honorary organization of women educators dedicated to excellence in education. She was a 55-year member of the Order of the Eastern Star #159, where she was a past Worthy Matron.

Juanita and her husband Max shared a love for travel, exploring all 50 U.S. states and numerous international destinations. Together, they created memories that will live on in the hearts of their family.

She is survived by her devoted husband of 60 years, James Max Scarbrough; daughter and son-in law, Renee and Derek Hunter of Mt. Juliet, TN; son and daughter-in-law, Rodney and Molly Scarbrough of Athens, TN; and eight cherished grandchildren: Nathaniel Hunter, Andrew Hunter, Laura Towne and husband Andrew, Caroline Hunter and fiancé Alexander Oldweiler, Hannah Tapp and husband John, Wilson Scarbrough, James Scarbrough, Julia Scarbrough and great-grandson Henry Towne.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to:

• East Athens Baptist Church, 301 Central Avenue, Athens, TN 37303

• American Cancer Society

• Or to a charity of your choice

A funeral service will be held at 2:00 PM on Wednesday, October 22, 2025 in the sanctuary of East Athens Baptist Church with Reverend Mike Dannel officiating. The family will receive friends from noon-2:00 PM prior to the service. A private family interment will take place at Cedar Grove Cemetery in Athens, TN immediately following the service.

Pallbearers will be Nathaniel Hunter, Wilson Scarbrough, James Scarbrough, Andrew Towne, Rodney Ammons, Donnie Anderson, Jamey McConkey, and Hoby Toomey and honorary pallbearer Randy Mullins.

She is remembered fondly by special friends: Sue McDonald, Jaynell Nelson, and Phyliss Poore. The family expresses heartfelt appreciation to the compassionate staff of Dr. Richard Sharpe, Dr. Ross Kerns, and the physicians and nurses of Parkwest Medical Center and NHC Healthcare of Farragut.

You may sign the guest register at smithfuneralandcremationservicesofathens.com Smith Funeral & Cremation Services of Athens is honored to serve the family of Juanita Louise Scarbrough.