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Obituary For Juanita Lewis Raleigh
Mrs. Juanita Lewis Raleigh, daughter of the late Mr. Marcus E. Lewis, Sr. and Mrs. Flora Crawford Lewis, was born on January 3, 1943 in Mt. Gilead, North Carolina. She departed this life on March 1, 2026 at Wesley Long Hospital, surrounded by her family and loved ones.
Juanita attended elementary school in Mt. Gilead, North Carolina and completed her high school education at Peabody High School in Troy, North Carolina. Juanita loved the Lord and avowed her religious faith at an early age. She joined St. Luke First United Church of God in Mt. Gilead, North Carolina, where she became the church musician, member of Sunday School and Youth Choir.
Upon graduating from high school, Juanita attended North Carolina A&T State University, Greensboro, North Carolina where she met the love of her life, Jerry Raleigh. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree and was employed by the university as a secretary for the Army ROTC Department and Computer Science Department. After graduation, on July 31, 1966, Juanita happily married Jerry Raleigh, and from that moment, they were inseparable. She said, “Thank you God for my Amazing Husband!”
While still employed by the university, Juanita furthered her education and earned a master’s degree in Guidance and Counseling. Upon receiving her degree, she was employed by Greensboro City Schools as a Senior High School Guidance Counselor at James B. Dudley High School, where she served with distinction for 27 years. Juanita’s passion and dedication to education was evident through the many lives she touched. In 2000, she was honored by the school’s yearbook committee as Dudley High School’s Teacher of the Year.
Shortly after their marriage, she and her husband joined St. James Baptist Church, Greensboro, North Carolina where she served as a Deaconess, member of the Scholarship Committee, Women’s Sunday School class, and Will Green Gospel Choir. In 1991, Deacon Jerry Raleigh accepted God’s call into the ministry and the J.W. Raleigh Family Choir was
formed. Deaconess Juanita was the choir’s musician and accompanied Reverend Raleigh on all of his preaching engagements. The choir also sang God’s praises at the Greensboro Coliseum and at several choir anniversary celebrations. Deaconess Juanita served in this capacity until her husband became the proud Pastor of Maple Grove Missionary Baptist Church in Burlington, North Carolina. Under his leadership, she faithfully served as the church’s Leading Lady, Minister of Music, Co-Chairman of the Scholarship Committee, and was a devoted member of the Bible Study Class. She especially enjoyed working with the choirs and providing music that glorified God.
Leading Lady Juanita was thankful to God for the many blessings that He allowed her to have. She often spoke about how blessed she was to have an amazing, loving husband who did all that he could to prolong her life. Leading Lady Juanita loved the yearly cruises with her husband, son and friends, shopping for designer handbags and shoes, making potato salad for her family’s Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners, but most of all she loved Jesus Christ her Lord and Savior, and fellowshipping with the saints of God. Unable to attend church, during her latter years of life, she enjoyed listening to gospel songs and live streaming three to four sermons every Sunday morning. Although living with cancer for almost 40 years, she did not complain. She had a joyful smile, loved humanity, and only saw the best in people.
She was preceded in death by her mother Mrs. Flora Crawford Lewis and her father Mr. Marcus E. Lewis, Jr. Leading Lady Juanita leaves to cherish her memory, her husband, Reverend Jerry W. Raleigh, Sr. of the home; daughter Ms. Bertina Bennett, and son Mr. Jerry W. Raleigh, Jr. (Kelli), both of Greensboro, North Carolina; two grandchildren, Mr. Christopher Jones of Charlotte, North Carolina, and Miss Brittany Jones of Austin, Texas; brother, Dr. Marcus E. Lewis, Southfield, Michigan; Brother-in-law Mr. Howard Raleigh (Louise) of Greensboro, North Carolina; Sister-in-law Annette Freeman (Wesley) of Greensboro, North Carolina; a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends. She was truly loved and will be greatly missed by her family and friends.
The family wishes to express their deep appreciation to all the staff and caregivers of Wesley Long Cancer Center and LeBauer Gastroenterology of Greensboro for their wonderful care and support.
Funeral service will be held Friday, March 13, 2026 12p.m. St. James Baptist Church 536 West Florida Street Greensboro, North Carolina. Visitation 11:15a.m.
Burial will follow at Lakeview Cemetery 3600 North O'Henry Boulevard Greensboro, North Carolina.
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Brandon Raleigh planted 5 trees in memory of Juanita Lewis Raleigh . - March 12, 2026
yvonne pigatt sent Peace & Serenity Dishgarden for Juanita Lewis Raleigh - March 08, 2026
Elvia D Gaines-Edmond sent Gracious Lavender Basket for Juanita Lewis Raleigh - March 07, 2026
Miles LEWIS sent The Peace Lily for Juanita Lewis Raleigh - March 04, 2026
Brittany Jones planted 5 trees in memory of Juanita Lewis Raleigh . - March 04, 2026
Brittany Jones sent Forever in Our Hearts Casket Adornment for Juanita Lewis Raleigh - March 04, 2026
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To the Raleigh Family, I expresses my sympathy over the loss of "Mrs. Raleigh". She was my counselor at James B. Dudley High School. She was always kind and also known for having the "sharpest looking outfits". She will be missed. Sheila Helms, DHS '81
To: Reverend Jerry W. Raleigh, Sr., Dr. Marcus E. Lewis, Jr. and families. The children of the late William Carter Parker and Vallie Tyson Simon Parker join me in extending heartfelt sympathy on the passing of Mrs. Juanita Lewis Raleigh. Juanita and I spent many wonderful years as neighbors and attending church at Saint Luke First United of God in Mount Gilead, North Carolina. We both were graduates on North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University with long-term careers as educators, servants of God, and working with people to improve their quality of living. When Juanita told me her illness had returned, I reminded her that our parents and the Saints prayed for us before we learned how to pray for ourselves. As young girls we had learned the lessons of faith in the little wooden church at Saint Luke. We learned how the words,"I Love You" could make one feel better just knowing that someone cared. Over the many years due to her illness, my role became making the telephone call or sending a text message to brighten her day. Friday, February 28th, was a final communication as I sent her a "Bountiful Friday" card by text message not knowing she was "ringing the bell" to meet God. Juanita's passing reminded me of her faith in God for many years as I listened to Reverend James Cleveland sing, "Where is your faith in God." If you are reading these words, remember a few lines from the poem of Richard Blakeslee "Passing Through." tell the people that we saw Mrs. Juanita Lewis Raleigh passing through. Sometimes happy, sometimes blue Glad I ran into you I saw Jesus on the cross On that hill called Calvary, Glad that I ran into you. Tell the people that you saw Mrs. Juanita Lewis Raleigh passing through with grace, determination and faith in God. Thanks. The Honorable Frank J. Thornton and Mrs. Bettye (Peg) Parker Thornton Richmond, Virginia
I extend my deepest condolences and prayers to the Raleigh family. Her radiant smile was inspiring with warmth and compassion to all who knew her. May God continue to bless all of you in days to come.
To the family, I am praying now and always for you all. May God richly bless and keep you all through this very difficult time!
Expressing my sincere condolences and prayers to Jerry Raleigh Jr. and the entire Raleigh Family. May God be with you during your time of loss.
Rev.Raleigh and family, I am so sorry to hear of Sister Raleigh's passing. She was a very sweet lady. She will be missed.
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Pastor Raleigh, from my wife Tracey, the officers and members of Arches Grove UCC and I extend our sincere condolences, support and prayers. We stand with you and your family during this time. Thank you for the fellowship _ Lady Raleigh was a beautiful soul... Sincerely, Michael Thompson, Pastor...
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Raleigh Family, our thoughts and prayers are with you. May God give you all strength in the days ahead. The Haizlip Family
Pastor Raleigh and family, please accept our deepest condolences on the loss of your wife. She will truly be missed.
Pastor Raleigh the blessings of God's comfort be ever with you and the children. He will dry every year. God bless. Fresh Step Ministries. Dr Ratliff,pastor
Pastor Jerry and family. My heartfelt sympathy is extended to you. Juanita was beautiful inside and out. May God's grace comfort, strengthen, and sustain you. Evang. Betty A. Burnett Lindenwold, New Jersey
My sincere condolences for the loss of your loved one. Sister Raleigh was truly a beautiful soul who will be missed. Praying strength and peace for her family during this difficult time.
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May all the warm and special memories you shared with your loved one stay with you and bring you comfort through all the days ahead.
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Celebrating the life of a wonderful woman and mourning her passing with both Jerry and you. Remembering the good times and let that be a comfort to you both. Love you both
Condolences to Rev. Raleigh and his Family Love you
From the Williams Family our deepest condolences for your lost
Condolences to Pastor Raleigh & his family. Mrs Raleigh's beautiful smile will always be a memory to anyone that came in contact with her.
Dear Family--We are so very sorry for your loss. May you feel the embrace of Jesus during this very difficult time. May sweet memories of Juanita be a source of comfort and peace. We are praying for the family.
Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.
