Juanita Arlene Burris-Thompson

Juanita Arlene Coleman was born September 27, 1940, in Little Rock, Arkansas. She was the second daughter of three born to Geraldine and Eldee Coleman. Juanita was very close to and protective of her older sister, Bernice, and younger sister, Verna. The Coleman sisters left Arkansas early in life and moved to Los Angeles, California where they attended 20th Street Elementary, 49th Street Elementary, Carver Junior High, Jefferson High, and Freemont High where Juanita graduated in 1958. Honoring GOD was very important to Juanita as she accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior during childhood. She made sure as an adult she found a church home she could grow with. Juanita joined St. Albert the Great Catholic Church in 1968 and was a devout member, attending Mass every Sunday. She even joined the choir under musical director Bob Spann and sang for Pope John Paul II at the Los Angeles Coliseum during his historic visit to the city in 1987. Juanita knew her purpose in life would be significant and greater than she ever expected. She attended Universal School of Beauty and mastered her skills while moonlighting as a model, participating in hair shows, and pageants. She landed her first job as a beautician at Royal Coiffures Beauty Salon in Compton, California. This would be the first of several jobs Juanita worked in the field of Cosmetology, even opening her own beauty salon in her home and servicing family members and select customers. Her specialty was color, but she could roller set, finger wave, and press n curl with the best of them!! After many years in the industry, she decided she wanted to share her love and knowledge of haircare with students and obtained her teaching credentials from UCLA. Juanita became an instructor at Santa Monica College where she retired from in 2012. Juanita inspired a myriad of students to pursue careers in Cosmetology. She took pride in being a positive influence in the lives of others. Juanita was an active member of the community and legacy organizations: The National Association of Colored Women, My Sister, My Friend Breast Cancer Support Group, and The Top Ladies of Distinction - Los Angeles Chapter. Once retired, Juanita was still very busy volunteering as a Foster grandparent for underprivileged children. She also collaborated with the Salvation Army to feed the homeless once a month. 

Early on the morning of May 16, 2025 God knew Juanita was tired and saw fit to call her home. She is preceded in death by her mother, father, and eldest son Wilfred Jr. She will be dearly cherished and missed by her sisters: Bernice Chintoh and Verna Clay; husband Randolph of 17 years; her blended family of children: Kenny Burris, Karen Parker, Randy & Tanisha Thompson; Grandchildren: Shauntonise Burris, India Lopez, Shannon Burris, Ralphael Burris, Iyesha Burris, Mateo Burris, Denae Preston, Josiah Broussard, Audrii Broussard & Chance Thompson; Great Grandchildren: Nicole, Gianna, Alfred, Jude, Princeton, Kiaron, Ralphael Jr., Thomas and Atraeus along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and friends from all over. We look forward to seeing Juanita again when the Lord returns. It is time for this Proverbs 31 woman of God to rest! WELL DONE THOU GOOD AND FAITHFUL SERVANT.