Juanita (Richardson) Mace

It is a rare gift in this world to know someone who laughed and loved as large as Juanita Richardson Mace. On October 28, 2024, that brilliant spark passed away at home in Auburn, Alabama. She was one month short of 93 years old.

Born in Wetumpka, Alabama, the fifth of six children to the late H. Moorefield and Carrie Mae (Smith) Richardson, Juanita grew up during the depression and World War II in the Holtville area.  She was known for her independent nature, lively intelligence, laughter, sweetness, and generosity to her extended family and friends.

After graduating from high school early, she married her lifelong love, Fred “Jimmy” Mace, in September of 1950. United, they began a 74-year adventure.  Juanita was an Army wife while Fred served in the states and Korea. She supported him as he obtained a degree in Mechanical Engineering from Auburn University and began a 36-year career with an oil company. Together they lived in three states, resided overseas in Sweden for a time, and raised three daughters.  No matter how daunting the assignment, Juanita immediately redirected her life, packed up, reorganized, and resettled her home and family again and again. Wherever the family went, she quickly recreated a safe and loving space for “her girls”. 

She was a proud wife and mother who made sure her family and community came first.  She gave unselfishly of her time to her children’s activities and civic duties.

When her daughters were older, Juanita established a career in commercial insurance in Long Beach, California. Her clients came to count on her high integrity, deep knowledge, and commitment to their needs.  She was elected President of the Insurance Women of Long Beach, leading and representing her chapter at the regional and national level.

After their joint retirement in California, Juanita and Fred returned to their home state of Alabama; first Huntsville, then Prattville, and finally coming full circle and settling in Auburn.

While she may have left the South, the South never left her heart. Juanita was warm and inviting to all she met – be it family, friend, or total stranger. Her greatest pride and joy were her husband, her children, her grandchildren, and her great-grandchildren; and they delighted in her love. Juanita’s smile and grace will be missed by many.

Juanita is survived by her husband, Fred; daughters, Cynthia Anderson, Kathryn Shanahan, and Nancy Mace; grandchildren, Jennifer Kalbas, Andrew Anderson, and Hannah Mace; great-grandchildren, Ezekiel and Torin Kalbas, Kaedence and Ignacio Anderson; and blended family, Major Brendan Shanahan, Bethany Lewis, and their children, Haisley Shanahan, Evie Brown, and Austin Lewis.

A memorial service for Juanita will be held at the Auburn United Methodist Church (Founders Chapel) on Thursday, November 14, 2024 at 3:00 pm. Visitation will precede the service at 2:00 pm.

A graveside service will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, November 15, 2024 at Cain’s Chapel Church in Holtville.

Juanita was a blessed and grateful breast cancer survivor. Donations in her memory may be made at the following link, Donate Today | The American Cancer Society.

Please clink this link for Mrs. Mace's picture slideshow -- https://www.tributeslides.com/tributes/show/ST9JBMQ9BCBPTLST 

Please follow this  link to the live stream of Mrs. Mace's funeral. https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84871980074?pwd=ooQe6TOAldKaLpZjFMU7RoQlTi2UTY.1