Juanita Polk Hathorn

Funeral services for Mrs. Juanita Polk Hathorn will be conducted at 2:00 pm on Saturday, October 4, 2025, from the sanctuary of the L. L. Roberts Memorial Methodist Church in Bassfield, with the Reverend Ken Roberts officiating. Interment will follow in the Bassfield Cemetery.

The family will receive friends Saturday, from 12:00 noon until the hour of service at 2:00 pm at the L. L. Roberts Memorial Methodist Church.

Mrs. Hathorn will be carried to her final rest by those honored to serve as pallbearers, including Rodney West, John David West, Sam West, Brady Pierce, Chase Shoemake, and Michael Johnson. Randy Hathorn, Kim Hathorn, Sammy Hathorn, along with her great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren, will serve as honorary pallbearers.

Juanita, a cherished matriarch and lifelong resident of Jefferson Davis County, was born on December 4, 1927, to Rodney and Estelle Armstrong Polk. She dedicated many years as a cosmetologist, operating her own business, City Beauty Shop, in Bassfield. In addition to her work as a beauty operator, she tirelessly supported her husband at their fish house, Kermit's Cabin, where she made desserts and helped create a warm and welcoming environment for all who gathered to eat.

A woman of many talents, she was renowned for her exceptional skill as a seamstress, crafting clothing for her children and devoting her time to creating beautiful quilts. Each of her grandchildren was gifted a quilt upon their high school graduation, a precious keepsake that will be treasured for generations. Juanita also took great pride in maintaining a beautiful yard filled with an array of flowers and plants.

Sundays in her home were filled with laughter and love as family and friends gathered to share meals that featured her renowned chocolate chess pie, bread pudding, and an array of other family favorites.

In the community, Juanita and her husband, Kermit, exemplified selflessness, actively participating in fundraising events such as The Extravaganza at Pearl River Community College. Their commitment to supporting others through donations of time, effort, and food had a significant impact on the college and underscored their belief in the importance of giving back.

Those who knew Juanita will remember her as the embodiment of family. With a personality that derived joy from serving her loved ones, she focused her life on ensuring that everyone around her was content and happy. Her warm spirit, dedication to her family, and passion for creativity will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her. Mrs. Hathorn was a member of the L.L. Roberts Memorial Methodist Church in Bassfield.

She is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Kermit Hathorn; her daughter, Linda “Pete” Buckley; her father, Rodney Polk; her mother and step-father, Estelle and Johnnie Davis; her sister, Wendy Sanfilippo; her stepsisters, Dixie Holland, Sarah Nell Kerley; and her step-brothers, Paul, Pat, and Rex Davis.

Her memory will forever be cherished by her daughters, Shirley Hathorn Puckett (Judson), Janice Hathorn West (Joe), both of Bassfield, and her son-in-law, Joe Buckley of Prentiss. The legacy of their Nonnie will also live on through her grandchildren, Pam Johnson, Anita Shoemake (Glendale), Lynn Scallorn (David), JoAnna Pierce (Andy), Bryan West (Alisha), Rodney West (Reva), John David West (Caroline); 17 great-grandchildren; 7 great-great grandchildren, along with her soon expected great-great granddaughter, Miss Charlie Ann Backstrom, and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

Online condolences and a guest registry are available at www.saultersmoorefuneralhome.com.