Juanita McNeil

Obituary For Juanita McNeil

Deaconess Juanita M. McNeil, beloved daughter of the late Elwood Hill and Sarah Jane (Burke) Hill, was born in Waynesboro, Pennsylvania.

She was educated in the Harrisburg School District and graduated from the former William Penn High School.

In June 1960, she united with Mount Olive Baptist Church on her Christian experience, beginning a lifetime of devoted and faithful service. In September 1963, Rev. Frederick D. Gholston appointed Sister Juanita M. McNeil as Church Secretary of Mount Olive Baptist Church, a role she carried out with diligence, grace, and unwavering commitment. Over a span of more than five decades, she faithfully served five pastors: Rev. V.J. Johnson; Rev. Robert S. Goldstein; Rev. T.J. Reynolds (1965–1971); Rev. John T. Wansley (1972–1999); and Rev. Dr. Gaylord M. Thompson, Sr. (1999–2023). In total, she dedicated 52 years of service as Church Secretary and remained a steadfast pillar of Mount Olive until the Lord called her home.

Deaconess McNeil was more than an officer of the church—she was a spiritual anchor and a model of Christian womanhood. She served faithfully on the Senior Choir, as a member of the Pastor’s Aide Ministry, and as a Deaconess. She attended Wednesday night prayer meetings and Bible study, taught Sunday School, participated in discipleship and evangelism training, served on the Finance and Scholarship Committees, coordinated church trips, maintained church archives, and performed countless other duties. She truly embodied the virtues described in Titus 2:3–5 and Proverbs 31:10–31, living as a mature woman of wisdom who taught and mentored others through both word and example.

Professionally, Juanita served as an Accounting Technician at the former New Cumberland Army Depot until retiring on disability on January 2, 1988. While serving as an Accounting Technician, she received an award for Exceptional Performance, as well as an award for Sustained Superior Performance. Her career also included work with the Internal Revenue Service in Los Angeles, California. After returning to Harrisburg, she worked for Hilrow Realty and Attorney Clarence Morrison. She was an active member and historian of the Legal Secretaries Association. Additionally, she served as Administrative Assistant for Roy Littlejohn Associates of Washington, D.C., in their Harrisburg office, and worked as a secretary, bookkeeper, and counselor for Neighborhood Youth Corporations. In every professional role, she was known for her integrity, precision, and dedication.

On Thursday, February 12, 2026, Deaconess Juanita M. McNeil peacefully departed this life and entered eternal rest at UPMC Harrisburg Hospital. Her transition marks the completion of her earthly journey and the beginning of her everlasting reward.

She is preceded in heaven by her parents as well as her beloved son, Houston Sims, Jr. She leaves to cherish precious memories of her, her devoted husband, Benjamin H. McNeil, Jr.; her loving daughter, Benita J. Basham (wife of George Basham, Sr.); her treasured grandchildren, Almasi A. Sims (Lisa) of Tampa, Florida; Dr. Nneka N. Hunter of Tampa, Florida; Jasmin N. Payton and Timothy J. Hayden of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. She was also blessed with eight great-grandchildren, Aashe Crockett, Ajani Crockett and Aman Crockett of Tampa, Florida, Ishmael Sims, Zemer Sims and Sianna Sims of Tampa, Florida, Kelaiah Sims, Levi Sims, and Adina Sims of Tampa, Florida, Faith Padmore and Kenneth Brown, III of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. She also leaves two sisters, Ruby Miller and Donna McClain-Hurt; a brother, Homer Brooks of Blackwood, New Jersey; three beloved sisters-in-law, whom she loved like biological sisters, Ruby Lewis, Minnie Linen and Irene Fleming of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, along with a host of nieces, nephews, extended family members, church family and dear friends.

Sister Juanita M. McNeil will forever be remembered for her steadfast faith, devoted service, quiet strength, and enduring love for her family, church, and community. Her life stands as a testimony of faithfulness, and her legacy will continue to bless generations to come.

Her life will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 21, 2026 in the Sanctuary of Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church, 1331 S. 14th Street, Harrisburg with viewing and visitation from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. and burial in William Howard Day Cemetery.

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