OBITUARIES

Dr. Juanita Page Mendez

Dr. Juanita Page Mendez, born on June 30, 1939, in Sharon, Connecticut, to the late Pearl Clanton Johnson and the late Robert Henry Johnson Jr., passed away at age 86 on June 24, 2026.

Juanita was the youngest of six children raised in Millbrook, New York. When she was just 13 years old, her brother Charles “Bud” Johnson was killed in action saving the lives of several soldiers during the Korean War. Juanita never forgot the story of her brother’s bravery and sacrifice.

After graduating from Millbrook High School, Juanita went on to study education, earning a B.A. from Hunter College, an M.A. from Hofstra University, and a Ph.D. from New York University. She taught at elementary schools, high schools, and universities. Her true love was in early childhood education.

Juanita was a talented pianist and singer and used music in her kindergarten classrooms as both a teaching tool and a way to encourage creativity among her students. After a career in teaching took her from Millbrook to New York City to Montgomery County, Maryland, she retired from the classroom and dedicated her time to advocating for recognition for her brother.

She sought out the soldier whose life he had saved, spearheaded efforts to get his heroism acknowledged, tirelessly petitioning Congress and the Army to honor her brother. Her efforts culminated in Juanita representing the family to receive the Medal of Honor from President Biden at the White House.

Juanita is survived by her sons Charles H.M. Johnson (Hampton, Virginia), and Garry A. Mendez III (Walnut Creek, California), her stepchildren, Michael A. Mendez and Kathy A. Mendez, and was preceded in death by her husband Garry A. Mendez Jr., brothers Edward L. Johnson, Charles R. Johnson, and Glenn H. Johnson, and sisters Geraldine C. Johnson, and Octavia A. Hernandez.

Visitation will be held at Central Baptist Church, 26 Church Rd, Salt Point, NY, at 10:00 AM on July 18, 2026, followed by memorial services at 11:00 AM.

Instead of flowers, donations may be made to The National Trust for the Development of African-American Men.