Mrs. Juanita Blackmore

Juanita (Darris) Blackmore, affectionately known as “Nee Nee” was born on November 16, 1923, in Greenville, Mississippi, the third of eight children to the late Eugene and Odie Lee Darris. She departed this life at the golden age of 100 years old on May 10, 2024 after a short illness.

At an early age Juanita's family moved to St. Louis, Missouri, where she was educated in the Saint Louis Public School System.

On July 3,1942, she married the late William Blackmore, Jr. To this union, one son, William Blackmore, III was born.

Juanita was employed as a Seamstress, Administrative Assistant and Home Health Aide.

Juanita confessed Christ as her savior and was baptized in 1962 under the Leadership of the late Bishop Alder M. Hearn, at Hearn’s Temple Pentecostal Church, where she served as a faithful member. She continued to serve under the new pastor, Bishop Arvell Garrett when the name of the

church was changed to Gospel Feast Pentecostal Church.
As Juanita grew in God’s grace and wisdom she was honored to wear the title of “Mother” at the New Life Christian Church under the Pastorate of Pastor Gary L. Pleasant.

Juanita Blackmore received several recognitions at her 100th Birthday Celebration. A Proclamation from the Mayor Tishaura Jones of St. Louis, Missouri recognizing November 18, 2023, as “Juanita Blackmore Day '' in the city of Saint Louis. Also, she received recognition from Governor Mike Parson of Missouri and birthday greetings from President Joe Biden, for her 100th Birthday.

Juanita was the Darris Family Matriarch and the longest living descendant to reach 100 years of age. She had a quiet spirit but would brighten anyone’s day with her infectious smile.

Juanita leave her legacy of love to her only son, William (Irma) Blackmore, III of Houston, Texas; a devoted granddaughter, Anthoinett Brigitte whom she affectionately called “Brig”; seven additional grandchildren; eleven great-grandchildren; one brother-in-law, Claude (JoAnn)

Blackmore; a sister in-law, Dorothy Blackmore Brown; a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, friends and church family.

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