Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

Juanita Shelnut O’Brien passed away on August 14, 2022 at age 82 in Richland, Washington. Funeral services are Saturday, September 3, 2022, 10 am at Lawrence Bros. Funeral Home. Juanita was raised in and near Guin, where she graduated from Marion County High School with the Class of 1958. She received a Bachelor’s degree from Florence State Teacher’s College, a Master’s degree and an Education Specialist degree from Livingston University. In 1968, Juanita married Lonnie O’Brien, Jr., who preceded her in death. Also, preceding her, in death, were her parents, Arlander and Veola Shelnut.

Juanita is survived by her daughters, Robin Quinlivan and Nancy Diane O’Brien, 2 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild. She is also survived by her brother and sister-in-law, Charles and Mary Sbelnut. Juanita was a school teacher at Cedar Park Elementary school for over 30 years, teaching 2nd, 3rd and 4th grades over the years. Her passion was teaching children to read. Her first question to a new parent was always “Are you reading to the baby yet?” In lieu of flowers the family asks that you buy a book for a child and then read it with them.