Juanita Matthews

Juanita Matthews passed away peacefully at her home, Stonehaven Assisted Living in Maumelle, Ark. on Jan. 21, 2017. She was born to J.W. Daniels and Flora Daniels in Little Rock, Ark. on Oct. 13, 1918 or 1925 if you asked her. Juanita held many names throughout her life: Daughter, Sister, Mother, Grandma, Ma-ma, Aunt, Cousin, and Friend. These names are a true testament to her strong sense of family and how much she was loved. Juanita and her sister/partner in crime/best friend, Doris Burt, hitch hiked to California where she married Everett Hauswirth in 1942. Juanita and Everett owned and operated several restaurants in South Sioux City, Nebraska. They moved to Little Rock, Ark. in 1960 taking their restaurant expertise with them; opening Chicken To Go in 1963, they operated the restaurant together until Everett passed away. Juanita married Homer Matthews in 1973 and retired to Scott, Ark. where she enjoyed crocheting booties for all her friends and family. She was a member of All Souls Church and Keo Baptist Church. She always looked forward to working the polls on Election Day at the Scott Post Office and taking care of her porcelain dolls. Juanita had a set lunch date with her family every Thursday at Charlotte's in Keo where they would eat, shop, and gossip. While in Scott, Gearlean Pettis was a blessing to Juanita and Homer for many years, she was not only a caregiver but a friend. Juanita's family has gathered for Thanksgiving and Fourth of July faithfully for over 40 years. The family always looked forward to her dressing on Thanksgiving. A tradition her daughter, Susan, has carried on. While at Stonehaven Assisted Living Juanita enjoyed playing Bingo, Dominos, Skip Bo, and various arts and crafts. She was known for her great-grandsons, Kyle and Carter, who enjoyed playing basketball in the recreation room. She made numerous friends, but made a strong bond with Lola Hubbard, whom she called her adopted daughter. Lola enriched Juanita's life with love, friendship, and laughter; the family will be forever grateful to the kindness Lola gave Juanita, Susan, and the whole family. Juanita is preceded in death by her mother and father, J.W. and Flora Daniels. Everett Hauswirth, husband. Son, Everett Michael Hauswirth Jr. Homer Matthews, husband. Sisters-Thelma Daniels Gunter, Glenda Daniels Cliff, and Doris Daniels Bert. Grandson, Phillip Daniel Wendell. Son in law, Bobby Wendell. Nephew, George Dicus. Juanita is survived by her daughter, Susan Hauswirth Wendell, who was a beacon of strength with constant support, love, and comedy. Son, Boyd and his wife Rose Hauswirth of Fort Myers, Florida. Grandchildren: Sean and Bridget Wendell of Baton Rouge, La. whom she loved ferociously. Jason and Kris Eakin of Maumelle, Ark. Sarah Wendell and Casey Rainer of Fayetteville, Ark. Cloud Hauswirth of New York, N.Y. Swan Hauswirth of Orlando, Fla. Gabriel Hauswirth of Orlando, Fla. Great-grandchildren: Kyle and Carter Eakin of Maumelle, Ark. Lacy, Hayes, and Hollis Wendell of Baton Rouge, La. Numerous nieces and nephews that span all the way to great-great-great nieces and nephews: Linda Dicus who will forever be the lighthouse of the family, Teri and Billy Mountjoy, Tracye and Richard McKeown, and Scott and Jodi Dicus. Jessica and Nick Parker, Jordan and Jessica Marie Mountjoy, Kristen Kitchens and Christopher Darden, and Nick Kitchens. Jackson Lammey, Analise, Will, Weston, and Brooks Parker. Levi and Layla Mountjoy. Juanita Matthews lived an amazing 98 years, 91 if you ask her. She will be missed every day. The family would like to send a special thank you to the amazing staff at Stonehaven Assisted Living and the incredible nurses, Vicki and Carrie, at Arkansas Hospice. Mrs. Matthews will receive friends and family for condolences Tuesday and Wednesday at Smith North Little Rock Funeral Home. A private family graveside service will be held. Online guest register www.smithfamilycares.com.