Juanita was born on July 23, 1935, to parents Columbus and Senie Clay in Meridian, Mississippi. Juanita was the mother of seven children and despite her large family, she always made time for each and every one of her children. She provided unconditional love and support for her family. Juanita had a great love for drawing, traveling, cooking, and shopping! Juanita received her bachelor of science degree from the School of Education at The University of Alabama in Birmingham (1978). She retired from the Jefferson County Board of Education after more than twenty-one years as an elementary school teacher.

Juanita was preceded in death by her husband, George Winston Waters, Jr. She was survived by: her children, Donal Anthony Waters (Patricia), La Teashia Christal Waters Jones, Fabian Dwayne Waters, Theophilus Ulysses Waters, and Jorge Danyell Waters; grandchildren, Craig Jones, Jr., Arielle
Waters, Christopher Jones, Ashley Waters, and Fatina Glover; sister-in-law, Dorothy W. Knox (Alfred); and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.