Juanita Castleberry

Juanita Castleberry, affectionately known as “Nit” or “Nita”, was born on October 3, 1948, in Cincinnati, Ohio, to the union of Willie and Novella Castleberry. She was the second and youngest child in a home full of music and love. Surrounded by a family of singers, Juanita developed a deep-rooted passion for gospel music early in life.

She accepted Christ at a young age at First Baptist Church of Oakley, where her grandfather, Rev. Charles Castleberry served as the Founding Pastor in 1937. As a member of the Youth Choir, Juanita’s beautiful soprano voice blessed many hearts.

Juanita was educated in the Cincinnati Public School System, attending Madisonville Elementary School, then both Woodward and Withrow High Schools — earning the titles of both Bulldog and Tiger. She graduated from Withrow High in 1966. Passionate about home economics and sewing, she originally planned to pursue business school for typing and bookkeeping. Instead, she began working at Schulte Brass Company as a quality control inspector.

She later became a devoted mother to two children: her son, Charles Wiley Castleberry, named after both of her grandfathers and her daughter, Anitra Castleberry, both of whom she cherished dearly.

After being diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, Juanita became a domestic home engineer. She remained unwavering in her faith despite health challenges, always praising the Lord with all she had. Though no longer able to join the choir processional, her spirit never ceased to sing. She believed that praise was her weapon — and she wielded it faithfully.

Juanita’s love for music endured throughout her life. Her home was often filled with the uplifting voices of James Cleveland, the powerful harmonies of Walter Hawkins’ Love Alive albums (Volumes I-IV), and the soulful sounds of Stevie Wonder’s Songs in the Key of Life. But she also had a fun and fiery side — known for her skills in Bid Whist and Spades every Friday night, and her enthusiastic support of her father’s bowling victories.

She championed her children’s education and proudly sold Grippo’s potato chips to help fund their exchange student programs in Mexico. She kept them immersed in bilingual learning to set them up for future success.

Juanita was a woman of wisdom and wit. She often quoted her mother’s sayings like “fine as frog hair”, leaving everyone in stitches with her quick humor and Pryor-like comedic timing. She loved accompanying her macaroni and cheese with her mother, Novella’s good ole sweet potato pie and later liked to request Skyline Chili very frequently as she got older. She radiated love and kindness in everything she did, always seasoned with her unique, bold personality.

She was preceded in death by her beloved son, Charles Wiley Castleberry, on May 5, 2020. Her legacy lives on through her loving daughter, Anitra Castleberry, who affectionately calls her “my mama, my confidant and my best friend.” Her cousin, Priscilla Burnam nick-named her “The Medicine Woman” for the way she cared for others. Her dear friend, Roselia Giles Knox honored her as a hero, and her friend, Lillie Minor would always lovingly declare, “That’s my girl.”

On May 4, 2025, our dearly beloved Juanita transitioned to eternity. She is survived by: her daughter, Anitra Castleberry; her only brother, William H. Castleberry (Lenora); her grandson, Barry Dorsett; her nephews, Henry Castleberry and William JM Castleberry; her nieces, Gana Wood, Rayana Castleberry and Jamia Lewis; special cousins, Ophelia Wilkinson, Priscilla Burnam and Sandra Graham Jones; and a host of other cousins, relatives, family and friends. Special thanks to her Sister-in-love, Lenora Castleberry for taking care of her.

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