Gladys Juanita Sorrells

Gladys Juanita Sorrells, formerly of Willow Springs, passed away May 19, 2020, while at the Lacoba Nursing Home in Monett, MO.  She was born February 8, 1921 to Elmer Richard and Hannah Elizabeth (Chaney) Johnson in Willow Springs.  She was 99 years old.

Juanita grew up and attended school in Willow Springs.  She was the manager of the A&W Restaurant when it first opened in Willow Springs.  She was also employed at Dillon’s Store in Mountain Grove for several years, and later was a cashier at Kilpatric’s/G&W Foods in Willow Springs for over 23 years.  She married the love of her life, William H. “Bill” Sorrells, on November 8, 1941.  Juanita and Bill enjoyed more than 75 years together, and to this union, two sons were born. She was a faithful member of Trinity Baptist Church until her health started to fail.  When she was not at work, she loved to read.  She read her Bible daily until she could no longer see to read, and it was said she wore her Bible completely out.  Juanita also loved to read Amish romance novels.  She was a great cook and excelled in making desserts such as German Chocolate cake.  She also loved to make “comfort food” such as her “almost world-famous” chicken and dumplings. Juanita enjoyed watching Wheel of Fortune on television as well as Judge Judy and The Price is Right.  She will be dearly missed by her family, her friends, and all who knew her.

She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband, three sisters, and three brothers.

Juanita is survived by her sons: Gary Sorrells and his wife, Carolyn of Monett, MO; Larry Sorrells and his wife, Ronda of Appleton City, MO; four grandchildren: Gary Sorrells, Jr. and his wife, Nixie of Springfield, Kelley McCaffrey of Monett, Brendan Sorrells and Hannah Sorrells, both of Warrensburg, MO; great grandchildren: Kamila and Fabiola Sanchez of Springfield; Alex Johnson and her husband, Ahmad of Grandview, MO, and Erin and Abby McCaffrey of Monett. She is further survived by a great-great granddaughter, Marley Johnson also of Grandview, MO.

The family requests anyone wishing to remember Juanita may do so by a donation to the Willow Springs Public Library, and they may be left at the funeral home.

A graveside service was held on Saturday, May 23, 2020 at the Willow Springs City Cemetery.  Pastor Larry Sorrells and Gary Sorrells will officiate.  Arrangements are under the direction of Willow Funeral Home, LLC.  Online condolences may be left at www.willowspringsfuneralhome.com