Mary Juanita Smith Gatch, 81, of Charleston, SC, died peacefully on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, at Harmony at West Ashley in Charleston, South Carolina.

The family will receive friends between 10:00 AM and 11:00 AM on Thursday, July 9, 2026, in the North Charleston United Methodist Church, 1125 East Montague Avenue, North Charleston, SC. A Memorial Service will follow, starting at 11:00 AM.

Juanita was born December 29, 1944, in Ben Hill County, Georgia, to the late William Carlton “Bill” & Marcelle Hunter Smith. She was the second born, eldest daughter of 11 children. She graduated with honors from Fitzgerald High School and graduated from Crawford W. Long School of Nursing in Atlanta, Georgia. As a registered nurse, Juanita dedicated her life to caring for others for 60 years with the majority of her career being in the emergency room. She had a servant's heart and was known for her unwavering kindness, generous spirit, and the unconditional love she poured into everyone around her. To her loved ones, she was "Nini"-a beloved mother, grandmother, big sister, aunt and friend.

Juanita found joy in making others feel loved and cared for. Whether through a warm meal, a listening ear, or her famous peanut butter pie, she had a special way of making everyone feel loved. She lived selflessly, putting the needs of others before her own, leaving a lasting impact on everyone who knew her.

Above all, Juanita loved the Lord with all of her heart. Her faith was the foundation of her life, and she faithfully shared Christ's love with her family, friends, and was a light to everyone she encountered. She lived as an example of grace, compassion, and unwavering trust in God, and her legacy will continue through the many lives she touched.

In addition to her parents, Juanita was preceded in death by her brothers, Matthew Smith, Ward Smith, Ben Smith, and Ralph Smith; and sister, Dorothy Reed; sister-in-law, Linda Smith, brother- in- law, Tim Walston, and sister-in-law Dolores Gatch. 

Juanita is survived by her children and their spouses: Don Gatch, Jr. (Nikki) of San Marcos, California, Kim Watson (John) of Alexandria, Virginia, and Kathi Wilks (Matt) of Charleston, South Carolina, and her cherished grandchildren Jamie Gatch, Madelyn Wilks, Faith Watson Gourley (Caiden), Andrew Gatch, Bradley Wilks, and Sean Watson.

She is also survived by her former spouse Don Gatch, Sr. of Charleston, South Carolina, and his daughter Jenny Gatch Cowan (John) and her beloved siblings: Jackie Walston of Foxfield, Colorado, Mabel (Perry) Stallings of Raleigh, North Carolina, Kenneth (Marcia) Smith of Snellville, Georgia, Alice (Billy) Prescott of Fitzgerald, Georgia, and Rhonda (Robert) Pridgen of Wray, Georgia; sisters-in-law: Ginny Smith of Lexington, South Carolina and Glenda Smith of Statesboro, Georgia; a brother-in-law: Steve Reed of Macon, Georgia; along with many nieces and nephews.

While we mourn her passing, we rejoice in knowing she is now at peace and reunited with those who have gone before her. Her faith, love, and gentle spirit will continue to inspire us until we meet again.

Donations can be made in memory of Juanita Gatch to North Charleston United Methodist Church, 1125 E. Montague Ave., North Charleston, SC 29405

Arrangements by J. Henry Stuhr, Inc. West Ashley Chapel.

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