Juanita Mason

Juanita Mae Mason, a sweet, innocent face and bright smile served well as the perfect cover for her mischievous ways. That head of beautiful white hair, the twinkle in those bright blue eyes, and her quiet nature leant themselves to the stereotypical “sweet little old lady,” giving no indication of just how ornery she could be. It was part of her charm, but you had to be careful when bending over within her reach because she'd be delighted to deliver an unexpected swat or pinch to your backside.

Born into a large, poor family in southern Ohio with a loving mother and moonshine-loving daddy, Juanita Mae (DePriest) Mason grew up in Pedro, Ohio. She enjoyed shenanigans with her siblings, and the mayhem caused by her Daddy while under the influence amused her for years to come. Childhood stories that sound tragic to some were just funny memories to her. In 1959, while working as a car hop at the Beverly Drive-in in Columbus, she met one special customer, George Mason. He convinced her to go on a date, and they married 2 weeks later. The young couple moved to Shawnee Hills, Ohio, raised their family, and both came to know Jesus as their Savior at the Shawnee Hills Church of the Nazarene. They enjoyed 59 years together until he preceded her in death.

She didn’t know back then all of the heartaches her Savior would carry her through or all of the victories she would witness by His grace. She certainly couldn’t have guessed that dementia would come to wreak havoc on her mind, disturbing her peace and stealing her memories.

Dementia is a thief, but Jesus restores. Dementia breaks hearts. Jesus makes them whole. Dementia ravages the mind, leaving only destruction in its wake. Jesus makes ALL things new.

Every day we choose: we can focus on the damage caused by dementia or the overwhelming, all-consuming love of Jesus that restores, heals, renews and is readily available because He laid down his life for us. She chose Jesus.

With the joy of finishing her race, she crossed the finish line and achieved the prize set before her. Juanita is restored, healed and renewed. She received a brand-new mind as she stepped into the arms of Jesus on July 9, 2025, and dementia troubles her no more! Truly, the suffering of this present time was not worthy to be compared to the glory now revealed in her!

She wasn’t well educated, never wealthy by this world’s standards, and her name was not well known to many people. Oh, but Jesus knows her name! Even better, He was waiting to greet her as she entered her new Home. Healed. Whole. Filled with excitement as she reunited with her husband, George, daughter Valerie, and her other loved ones.

We celebrate her life, who she was, how much we loved her and felt her love for us. This joy comes from the hope of eternal life found only in a relationship with Jesus Christ. She would want you to know that joy also.

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents, Andrew Jackson DePriest and Mildred (Koster) DePriest, Siblings: Andrew (Buddy) DePriest and his wife Jennie, Ella Dameron and her husband Marty, Ron DePriest, Eddie DePriest, Willard DePriest, Mintie Shope, and Kenneth DePriest, Daughter Valerie Hush, and Granddaughter Lisa Hush. Left to cherish her memory are her children: George Jr (Eddie) & Becky Mason, Curtis & Amy Mason, Greg & Starla Mason, Mike Hush, and Sarah Mason. Her Grandchildren: Amy & Kyle McCoy, Jared & Sarah Mason, Amber & Brad Bogenrife, Kelly & Ian Dort, Hilary & Johnny Kosik, Matt & Shawna Hush, Bobby Hush, Rodney Hush, Sabrina Hush, and Kristina & Tyler Wilson, unofficially adopted daughters Shirley Greenwell & Christine Zaragoza, along with twenty precious great grandchildren, many well-loved nieces and nephews, and dear friends.

Family will receive friends on Sunday, July 13, 2025 from 2 pm-5 pm at the Tidd Funeral Home, 5265 Norwich St., Hilliard, OH 43026. Funeral service will be held Monday, July 14, 2025 10 am at Hilliard Church of the Nazarene, 3669 Leap Rd., Hilliard, OH 43026. Private family interment will be held at Kingwood Memorial Park, Lewis Center, OH.