Juanita (King) Harvey

Juanita “Sweetcake” Harvey, was born on March 11, 1947 in Caruthersville, Missouri to the union of Willie and Juanita Mayes.  She departed this world on Tuesday, October 6, 2020 at the age of 73.

Juanita Harvey started working at an early age in the fields of Eau Claire, MI where she helped her family purchase their childhood home.  She graduated from Eau Claire High School and later moved to Benton Harbor, Michigan where she married the late Leroy Harvey Sr.  She professed Christ at an early age and was a faithful member of Macedonia Community Church, Grace Temple Church and the Church of Benton Harbor. She, along with her husband, owned a local neighborhood store on Main Street in Benton Harbor, MI.  She was the first woman to hire 15 black youth workers to work in a local, downtown business.  She contributed greatly to the community of Benton Harbor in other capacities to include but not limited to: manager of the Liberty Theater in downtown Benton Harbor and 15 years of service to the Benton Harbor Area School district where she enjoyed working with the youth. In her later years she spent most of her time with her family…her best moments!!! She could also be seen at the Benton Harbor Senior Center, where she served on the board. She loved going to the center at least 3 or 4 times a week participating in fun activities. She really enjoyed her hobbies of reading her bible, writing out scriptures, playing games with family and friends, watching her mystery shows, and going out to eat. Juanita Harvey AKA “Sweetcake” want you all to know she lived and enjoyed her life.

She leaves a legacy of three wonderful children: Anthony King (Felicia) of Rock Hill, SC; Carol Alexander (Rodney), of Benton Harbor, Michigan, and Leroy Harvey of Dallas, Texas.  She also raised foster and neighborhood children.  

She leaves to cherish her memory 7 siblings: Peggie (Jerome) Eddie, Virginia Williams – both of Benton Harbor, Michigan; Tosca Redden, Terrill Gurlly, Chuckie White, Grayling Weekly, and Andre White – all of St. Louis, Missouri.

She leaves in the world to cherish 12 grandchildren: Anthony King Jr., Rodney Alexander Jr., Lashae King, Brandon Harvey, Trevin Alexander, Devin Alexander, Damian Harvey, Alexis King, Jacorey Harvey, Jordan Harvey, Leroy Harvey III, and 4 great grandchildren:  Nyla, Hendrix, Ronnie, and Dallas.

Juanita Harvey was preceded in death by her husband, Leroy Harvey Sr., parents Willie Sr. and Juanita, stepfather Jessie King, one sister, Erma Peterson, four brothers, Willie Mayes, Anthony White Mayes, Willie Early White, and J.D. White.

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