Juanita E. Dawkins

Juanita E. Dawkins, age 85 of Dayton, Ohio passed away peacefully with her family by her side on January 22, 2026. She was born August 28, 1940 in Dayton, Ohio daughter of the late William Riley and Margaret (Wolford) Riley.

Juanita was a loving and devoted mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. Juanita was a devoted and faithful Christian. She had a heart of gold and loved to help those around her. Juanita was an avid animal lover who loved her furbabies all of her life. She worked at Masonic Temple as a waitress for several years, as well as held many waitress positions throughout the Dayton area. Juanita will be greatly missed by all who had the honor of knowing her.

In addition to her parents, Juanita was preceded in death by her children, Geneva Anders, Danny Stidham, and Margaret Metcalf; brother, Michael Riley; partner, Dallas Barnett; close friend; Barb Patterson.

She is survived by her brothers, Tom (Susan) Riley and Glen (Debbie) Riley; grandchildren, Thomas Metcalf, Danielle Metcalf, Ciera (Vincent) Conner, Johnny Metcalf Jr., Connie (Luke) Hodgson, Chasity (Anthony) Coleman, and Jimmy Anders Jr.; great grandchildren, Jeremy, Nathan, Elizabeth, Isabella, Scarlet, Thomas, and Elijah; nieces and nephews, Michelle Carson; Melissa (Dave) Davis, April Riley, Katie (Matt) Schultz, Sam Riley, John Riley, Anna (Steve) Higgins, Nick Riley, Michelle (Dustin) Miller; as well as numerous other family members and friends.

A visitation will be held on Friday, January 30, 2026 from 9:30am-10:30am at Newcomer Funeral Home, 4104 Needmore Road, Dayton, Ohio 45424. A funeral service will begin at 10:30am with burial to follow at Woodland Cemetery, Dayton, Ohio.

To share a memory of Juanita or to leave a special message for her family, please sign the online guestbook provided.