03/11/2026
It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of our dear mother, Juanita Hatten. While we deeply mourn her absence, she is rejoicing in glory with her already departed family in Heaven. She is survived by her sister Dorothy Inez Brannon and her three children, Alan Burford, Melissa Caton and myself.
Throughout my entire life, I watched my mom model a beautiful Christian lifestyle. She taught Sunday School long enough to have had three generations of women go through her class. She embodied the commandment to love your neighbor, and she could not suffer anyone in need going hungry. She further taught me about grace as I watched her manage the hospice care of both of my grandmothers and my father. She was also my biggest fan and my introduction to theatre, the first love of my life. She enrolled me in a church Christmas Pageant at three years old, and I never looked back. She encouraged me to love the arts, and she was the first person to leap to her feet to start a standing ovation whenever I performed. My mom also introduced me to tennis, my favorite sport that I still play today. She was ecstatic when I graduated from chiropractic school.
I am without a doubt shaped by my mother’s kindness, generosity and courage. She taught me perseverance and self-confidence. She told me again and again that I could strive for and achieve anything. She taught me grace and humility when my accomplishments fell short of my goal, telling me that I had tried my hardest, and the outcome I had wanted simply wasn’t part of God’s plan for my life. While no one else can ever replace her, I believe her spirit will live on through me and anyone else who crossed her path.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in her honor.
