Juanita K. Means (DOWNTOWN)

On June 30, 1956, a remarkable woman entered the world. Juanita Marietta Kavanaugh Means was born to Eddie Lee Pope and Van Kavanaugh and would go on to leave an unforgettable mark on every life she touched. She attended Louisville Central High School before graduating from Warner Robins High School in Georgia. Shortly after graduation, she returned home to Louisville, Kentucky—the city she loved and where she built a life rooted in faith, family, service, and unconditional love. Juanita was a devoted Christian and a member of St. Stephen Baptist Church in Louisville. Her faith guided her throughout her life and was reflected not only in her words, but more importantly, in her actions. She believed in helping others, often putting their needs before her own without hesitation. Juanita was first married to Wayne Baker, and together they welcomed their son, VaSean. She later married the love of her life, Bedford Charles “BC” Means, and together they welcomed their daughter, Lonita. Her greatest joy and proudest accomplishment was being a mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and matriarch whose love knew no limits. For 43 years, Juanita faithfully served at Norton Hospital until her retirement in 2022. Throughout her career in Environmental Services and Labor & Delivery, she brought comfort, compassion, and kindness to countless patients and families during some of the most important moments of their lives. She understood that healing often begins with a smile, a kind word, or a simple act of compassion. Her humanitarian spirit earned her Norton Hospital’s Good Samaritan Award after she selflessly gave a patient the shoes off her own feet. For Juanita, helping others was never extraordinary—it was simply who she was. Juanita was one of a kind. She was honest, strong-willed, and never afraid to tell the truth, whether you wanted to hear it or not. She mastered the art of tough love, but the emphasis was always on the love. Beneath her straightforward nature was a heart of gold. She would fuss at you, pray for you, feed you, and help you—all in the same breath. If she loved you, you knew it, and if you needed her, she was there. Though she gave birth to only two children, Juanita’s nurturing spirit extended far beyond her own family. She opened her heart, home, wisdom, and guidance to countless others who came to know her as “Mama,” “Auntie,” “G-Momma”, or simply a source of comfort and strength. Her influence can be seen in the many lives she helped shape, encourage, and uplift over the years. Juanita was preceded in death by her parents, Eddie Lee Pope and Van Kavanaugh; her beloved husband, Bedford Charles Means; and her siblings, Gold Paris Morris, David Kavanaugh, Elbert Paris, William Paris, and Lonetta Hawkins. She leaves behind to cherish her memory her devoted children, VaSean Baker and Lonita Baker; her beloved grandchildren, VaSean Baker (Acea), Dionna Means, and VaSeana Moran; her cherished great-grandchildren; her loving companion, Robert Davis; a sister-in-law; three brothers-in-law; a host of nieces, nephews, extended family members, bonus grandchildren, and countless friends whose lives were forever enriched by her love. While our hearts ache in her absence, we find comfort in knowing that Juanita’s legacy lives on through the countless lives she touched, the lessons she taught, the love she freely gave, and the family she treasured above all else. Her voice, laughter, strength, and unwavering love will remain with us always. Well done, good and faithful servant. You will be deeply missed and forever loved. Visitation: 11am-1pm Friday, June 26, 2026 at St. Stephen Church, 1018 S. 15th Street, funeral service to follow at 1pm.

Juanita K. Means (DOWNTOWN)

June 30, 1956 - June 16, 2026