Juana Hernandez

Juana “Juanita” Hernandez, a loving and faithful servant of the Lord, passed away from this life on January 16, 2024 at the age of 92. Visitation will be held at Krestridge Funeral Home from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm, with a Rosary at 6:00 pm on Monday, January, 22, 2024. Funeral services will be at St. Michael’s Catholic Church on Tuesday, January 23, 2024 at 11:00 am, with burial services to follow at Smyer Cemetery.

Juana was born November 24, 1931 in Hays County. As a teenager she did not have the typical school education experience, instead she helped to provide for her family through working and helping care for her younger sisters. But she did not let this stop her from bettering herself, she worked to earn her GED. In 1958, Juana chose to serve the Lord as a nun, joining Franciscan Sisters of Christ the Light, Sancta Maria Convent. She was a determined and smart woman who, during that time, earned her Bachelor of Education. Later, while teaching in Samnorwood public school, she earned her Master of Education, an accomplishment that was not typical for a woman during that time.

Juana enriched the lives of many students over the years, teaching at Catholic schools in Borger, Dalhart & Levelland, and many public schools, eventually retiring from teaching. She enjoyed helping and sharing her faith with others, and did so through her talent of making rosaries, serving as a sponsor for those in their Catholic faith formation, bringing cookies to the church staff, and donating her time to activities and ministries at the church.

Juana is survived by her sisters, Basilia “Bessie” Hernandez of Amarillo, TX and Trinidad “Trine” Warwick of Smyer, TX; numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces/nephews and great-great-nieces/nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Octavanio & Cruz Hernandez of Smyer, TX, brother Tito Hernandez, brother Jose Hernandez of Brownfield, TX, brother Mercedes Hernandez and sister Angelita “Angie” Ledesma, both of Smyer, TX.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Levelland, TX in Juana’s memory.

Arrangements are under the direction and personal care of the professionals at Krestridge Funeral Home. (806)897-1111