Juanita Hardin Wright

Juanita Margaret Hardin entered the world on December 7, 1927 in Lexington, Kentucky. She was the fifth child born to John Allen and Hallie Burrus Hardin. Juanita loved learning and reading, a passion that continued throughout her life and was revealed through her love for teaching and education. Juanita confessed Christ at an early age and became a member of Quinn Chapel A.M.E. Church, Lexington, where as an adult she served as pastor’s steward, Sunday School teacher, member of the finance committee, church secretary and a Trustee. Many years later she became an auxiliary member of St. Paul A.M.E. Church, Columbus, Ohio, where she often visited her family. When at home, she attended St. Paul A.M.E. Church in Lexington. She was educated in the Lexington Public Schools and a member of the January 1946 class of Dunbar High School. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Kentucky State College in Frankfort, Kentucky in 1950, and later a Masters in Education from the University of Kentucky. Juanita was married to Calvin Coolidge Wright for 11 years and to their union a daughter was born, Canise Yvette. Her four siblings, John Gill Hardin, Thomas Dudley Hardin, Cornelia Overton Haskins, and Roberta Burrus Harbut preceded her in death. Juanita had a love for young people and taught in the Lexington Public Schools at the elementary and high school levels. At Dunbar High School, a considerable amount of her joy came from sports and as sponsor /coach to the cheerleaders. She later went on to teach at her college alma mater, Kentucky State and eventually held the position of Director of Student Teaching. She retired in 1989. She was an active member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and looked forward to attending regional conferences and national conventions with her daughter. In addition, she was a member of Phi Delta Kappa and other professional organizations. In 1986, she was commissioned a Kentucky Colonel. She also had a love for card games and horse racing. Juanita was strong and firm in her beliefs. She could be outspoken when needed and always expressed what she sincerely felt. She also had a kind, loving and generous spirit and readily assisted and gave to others. Juanita was a special mother, sister, grandmother and friend. Her love, old school sayings, and memories will never be forgotten. Blessed with eighty-four years of life, Juanita entered eternal rest on Tuesday, July 24, 2012 in Columbus, Ohio, just three short weeks after she had relocated to be with her daughter and family. Loving memories are cherished by her daughter, Canise Bean, a devoted son-in-law, Rev. Dr. Michael Bean, nieces, Cleo L. Hardin, Hampton, Georgia, Beverly Boone, Ft. Worth, Texas, nephew, Steve Hardin, Union, Ohio, grandchildren, Michael Bean, Jr. (Allison), and Yvette Floranita Bean, her Columbus and Lexington St. Paul A.M.E. Church families, and many friends.