Juanita Jenkins Polite

Mrs. Juanita Jenkins Polite was born to Clarence Odell Jenkins and Frances Christine Bender Jenkins on February 5, 1937, in Old Hickory Tennessee. She transitioned from this earthly life into eternal life, Monday, April 6, 2026, at her residence in Nashville TN.

She is preceded in death by her parents; husband, James Bide Polite; brothers, Jackie Odell Jenkins, Jesse Waddell Jenkins, and great grandson, Brayden William Polite.

Juanita graduated from Wilson County High School in Lebanon, TN and attended Tennessee A&I State University and Meharry Medical School of Nursing, graduating in 1959. Juanita earned a Masters Degree in Gerontology from Vanderbilt University in 1988.

After graduation from Meharry Medical School of Nursing, she was employed with Hubbard Hospital as a nurse, and later she served in several administrative positions before her retirement in 1995. With a commitment to serve others after her retirement, in 2012, she taught in the School of Nursing at Tennessee State University. Juanita was a proud member of the Alpha Chi Chapter of Chi Eta Phi Sorority and the Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc.

Juanita was a devoted member of Williamson Chapel CME Church. Her journey in this church started at a early age at the then Greenlawn CME Church. She and four other young friends were members of a singing group known as the “Wee Wee Jubulaires.” They traveled throughout local communities singing. She had a beautiful singing voice and later sang in the Senior Choir and Missionary Choir for many years. At Williamson Chapel she was a Sunday School teacher and longtime member of the Stewardess Board, serving as vice president for many years. Additionally, she was willing to share her talents wherever needed in the spiritual growth of the church.

Juanita leaves to cherish her memory a host of loving and devoted family and friends three very devoted children, Mary Frances Polite, Tracy Lynn Polite (Eric) Johnson, James Bide (Gloria) Polite II; six grandchildren, Lakresia Polite, Eboni (Gregory) Walker, James Bide Polite III, Jordan Johnson, Jonquez Giddens, and Nicholas James Johnson; great grandchildren, Maisen James Polite, Nasir, and Zara Walker; one uncle, Cecil Bender; nieces, Danah Jenkins, Heather Polite Scott (Flint, MI), Deborah Russell, Melody Wainwright; nephews, Don (Shannon) Jenkins, Dale Wainwright; sisters-in-law, Ann Taylor Polite (Flint, MI), Carlene Corder Jenkins. Other devoted family members, Taylor (Derrell) Chapman, Donald Scott, Jr. (Flint, MI), Bender, Harrison, Jenkins and Martin families; god children, Tiara (Raphael) Melbrue, Violet and Marigold Melbrue, Brandon Braddock; special friends Bernardeen Fleming, Alice Bowen, David Chapman; devoted caregiver, Terri Avant.

There are some lives that leave a melody behind long after the voice has grown quiet. The life of Juanita Jenkins Polite affectionately called Nita, Neo, Mommy, Momma, Granny, Grand Mommy and Miss Monzella was one such life. She left a legacy that will continue to echo through generations of family and friends who were blessed to know her