Juanita Nell Smith Pamplin passed away peacefully on October 06, 2012 at the Manor at Eflindale in Springfield, Missouri, at the age of 97. She was surrounded by family and friends.
Juanita was born in Pearl, Missouri (near Walnut Grove) on November 30, 1914, the fifth child and only daughter, of Emma Zeta (Mack) and George Washington Smith. She grew up in Springfield and graduated from Springfield Senior High in 1932.
She met Shirley Mack Pamplin while he was home on vacation from his job in Peru, South America. After a whirlwind courtship, they were married in Springfield on January 14, 1937. For the next 25 years, they lived in Peru, Missouri, Texas and California, over the next 25 years of “Pamp’s” career in the petroleum and chemical industry. During this time, she became and avid and accomplished golfer, winning numerous tournaments in Peru and Texas.
Juanita went back to college in California and obtained her Nursing Degree from Contra Costa College. This degree served her well when her husband passed away in 1962. After her husband’s passing, she moved back to Springfield and began her nursing career at St. John’s (Mercy), later working at the practices of Dr’s Park and Maddox. She then took her nursing skills to Missouri State University’s (SMSU) Student Housing Department, where she became an assistant Resident and later Head Resident at Wells and Woods House Dormitories before retiring in 1979.
During her working years and following her retirement, Juanita was active in a number of organizations. She served as President of Pilot Club International and was a deaconess at National Avenue Christian Church.
Juanita was preceded in death by her parents, husband Shirley Mack Pamplin, brothers Clyde (Laura) Smith, Earl (Dortha) Smith, Joseph (Ethel) Smith, and Julian (Mary) Smith, granddaughter Joy Lynne Clayton, and many beloved aunts and uncles that were a part of the rich Greene County pioneer family heritage.
She is survived by her son, James (Pamela) Pamplin of Plano, TX, her daughter, Carol Ann (special friend Miles Head) Pamplin of Springfield, Missouri, three grandchildren, Shaun (Heidi) Pamplin of Plano, TX, Amanda Pamplin of Plano, TX, and Summer Pamplin of Houston, TX, four great grand children, Taylor Pamplin, Haley Bunnell, Lane Pamplin, and Riley Bunnell, nieces June Coring and Laura Hayes, nephew Lilburn Smith, many cousins, and her beloved canine companion “Beau”.
Juanita lived a long, full and exciting life that was enriched by her keen interest in politics (she was a devout Democrat), world affairs, history, genealogy, bridge, poker, and most of all – her family.
Services for Mrs. Pamplin will be Tuesday, October 9, 2012, at Greenlawn East (3540 E. Seminole, Springfield, MO). Visitation will commence at 2:00 P.M., followed by a memorial service at 3:00 P.M. Interment will follow at a later date. At Juanita’s request, in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the National Avenue Christian Church Outreach Program, the American Heart Association, or the charity of choice.
The family would like to give thanks to the special caregivers at the Manor at Elfindale, Preferred Hospice, and the doctors and staff at Cox Senior Health.