Juanita H. Pepper-Palumbo, 94, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her daughters and beloved pets. She was born in Snyder, Ark. to Ella Mae Malloy-Pepper and Pryor J. Pepper on Feb. 23, 1931. They resided in the picturesque town of Lake Village. She graduated from Lakeside High School in 1950.

She married Julius T. Palumbo in 1951, they settled down in Sulphur, La. and proceeded to have five children, eight grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren. She remained a protector of home and hearth till her children were grown then enjoyed taking care of customers for Grandmother’s Fan, in Sulphur, La.

Juanita took a deep enjoyment in her books, pets, and décor of which she spread to her children. There were not many things that once she put her hand to she was not great at. She sewed diligently while her children were young and branched out to macramé, crocheting, knitting, and embroidery. She even became an avid dabbler in ceramics. She spent many years devoted to different committees for the church, such as altar guild, prayer chains, and preparing food for the yearly Kibbee Dinner. She introduced her daughters to bible study groups, which she enjoyed even late into her life. Her greatest lasting legacy was making sure her children heard the word of God from an early age. 

She is having a joyous reunion in heaven with her father (Pryor Pepper), mother (Ella Mae Pepper), her brother (Pryor Pepper Jr.), sister (Bonnie Hayes), husband (Julius T. Palumbo), son (Julius T. Palumbo Jr. “Tommy”), her daughter (Virginia Mae Palumbo “Ginny”).

She is survived by her children, Carolyn Lund (Pete), Victor L. Palumbo, and Ellen Palumbo, as well as grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, or any animal rescue organization of your choice.

We would like to thank CHRISTUS Hospice Palliative Care and Heart of Hospice for their help these last five years. We especially want to thank our CNA Ashley Bennett for being part of our family and for her love and support. We wish to thank all her many nurses. 

Funeral services for Juanita Palumbo will be at 1 p.m. on Monday, March 31, 2025 at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in Sulphur with the Rev. Paul White officiating. Visitation with be from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. and from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. will be the reception. Fellowship and refreshments will be offered before funeral service in Parish Hall. Burial will follow after the service at Hillcrest Memorial Cemetery in Orange, Texas under the direction of Johnson Funeral Home of Moss Bluff. 

Words of comfort can be expressed at www.john sonfuneralhome.net.