On October 27, 2024, Juanita Mae (Cooper) Custer-Epperson at age 85 went to be with her Lord and Savior after suffering for a short time in a hospital in Springfield, Missouri. She had enjoyed her final 12 years living in the Maranatha Village Retirement Community, where she was able to interact daily with many Christian friends. Her grieving family members include her two sons, her sister, her two brothers, her sister-in-law, her many nieces and nephews, as well as her stepchildren, step grandchildren and her friends. Juanita was born in Bolivar, Missouri on March 9, 1939. She was the oldest of four siblings born to Rolla Pauline (Henley) Cooper and Floyd E. Cooper. She was preceded in death by both her parents; and she is survived by her brother B. Paul Cooper; sister Judy (Cooper, Skipworth) Howle; brother F. Dale Cooper (wife Frieda); and their respective children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren; son Curtis C. Custer and children (Nicole, Leanne, Sebastian); son Clay C. Custer; and stepdaughter Julie Huhn-Custer. After Juanita and brother Paul were born in Missouri, the Cooper family moved from Missouri to Iowa, where the other two siblings were born. From there, the Cooper family moved to Clinton, Missouri, where the family met the Custer family, and a forever bond was formed. In 1955, the Cooper family moved to Phoenix, Arizona, where Juanita graduated from Arizona State University with a teaching degree. For many years Juanita taught elementary grades at a private Christian school.
Juanita married Prentiss “Perry” Custer, Jr., on January 2,1965, and she moved with him to Huntington Beach, California. After their  retirement, they moved to Bucyrus/Houston, Missouri. On January 6, 2008, after their 43rd Marriage Anniversary, Perry passed away. On October 27, 2012, Juanita married Norman Dean Epperson. Juanita grew to love his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and she was influential in their lives. Norman passed away on August 26, 2019, leaving Juanita a widow until her death. Our beloved Juanita passed away surrounded by loved ones, and she will be greatly missed by all of us. Juanita’s influence was spread far and wide. Her prayers and charitable works were appreciated wherever she went. Itwill always be said, “She was our Angel”!!