Juanda Jo Sanchez

CLIFFSIDE- Juanda Jo Sanchez, born on August 18, 1952, in Cleveland County, departed this world on January 26, 2026, at the age of 73. Her life was a tapestry woven with passion, dedication, and love—a true testament to a spirit that embraced life's challenges and joys with grace and resilience.

As a dedicated math teacher and basketball coach, Juanda touched the lives of countless students with her patience, wisdom, and unwavering support. She had a unique ability to make learning an adventure and encouraged her students to see the beauty in numbers and the thrill of a well-played game. Her passion for basketball was infectious; she played the sport during her time at Chase High School and remained a loyal fan of the Tar Heels throughout her life.

Her interests extended beyond the classroom and basketball court. Juanda found solace and joy in the pages of a good book and the challenge of a crossword puzzle. Her kindness and affection extended to all creatures great and small; throughout her life, she shared her home with many loyal canine companions, and she held a special place in her heart for horses, admiring their grace and strength despite never owning one herself.

Juanda was preceded in death by her parents, Bill and Mary Jolley. She leaves behind a loving family, including her sister, Margo Matheny, and her husband Michael, as well as her nephews, Skip Matheny and Logan Matheny, and numerous great-nephews. They, along with countless friends and former students, will remember her kindness, her laughter, and her enduring spirit.

Juanda Jo Sanchez's legacy is one of inspiration through education and love, and she will be dearly missed by all who were fortunate enough to know her.

Services are entrusted to Clay-Barnette Funeral Home & Aquamation Center www.claybarnette.com