Juanita Highsmith Chesser

Nahunta – Mrs. Juanita Highsmith Chesser, 93, of Nahunta passed away early Wednesday morning (May 28, 2025) at Bayview Nursing Home in Nahunta after an extended illness.

Born in Nahunta, GA her parents were Cecil Edwin Highsmith and Mary Todd Highsmith. She is also preceded in death by her husband of 55 years, Samuel “Sam” Chesser; a grandson, John Samuel Chesser; a daughter-in-law, Annette Chesser; special niece who was like a sister, Betty Jo McGarrity; and 12 siblings.

Mrs. Juanita was a full-time mother and housewife until her children were grown. She then worked at the sewing factory in Nahunta for several years and was a member of Nahunta First Baptist Church. She married Samuel “Sam” Chesser on February 2, 1951 and they were married for 55 years and 6 months until he passed on July 26, 2006. Juanita was saved when she was 30 years old, and has worked for the Lord ever since. She taught Sunday School and VBS for over 25 years at Hickox Baptist Church and joined Nahunta First Baptist Church on October 6, 2002, where she was active until she lost her eye sight. Juanita loved her church family, God and being a servant to the Lord. She also loved her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and everyone in her family, they were a joy to her and had several nieces and nephews that were special to her. Juanita loved having family dinners and working in her flowers.

Survivors include her 3 wonderful children, Barry S. Chesser (Sandra), Elaine Wilson (Hubert) and Arlene Jacobs (David) all of Nahunta; 5 grandchildren, Kevin Wilson (Shea), Karla Perkins (Rege), Natalie Jacobs, Barry “Bo” Chesser (Cristina), Ashlie Mudge (Christopher); 9 great grandchildren, Westin Perkins, Kali Perkins, Samuel Chesser, Eli Chesser, Caleb Mudge, Blake Mudge, Regan Perkins, Walker Wilson and Katelyn Wilson; 2 step-grandchildren, Sarah Johns and Austin Harris (Sloan); 2 step- great grandchildren, Holden Harris, Danni Grace Johns, one on the way, McKendree; special niece, Diane Lake (Joe) of Nahunta; and also several other nieces, nephews, other relatives and a host of friends.

Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service on Saturday (May 31, 2025) starting at 10am at Frye Funeral Home, Nahunta.

A funeral service will be held Saturday morning (May 31, 2025) at 11am at the chapel of Frye Funeral Home with Rev. Larry Altman and Rev. Randy Wainright officiating. Burial will follow in Oakgrove Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Chrisopher Mudge, Sam Chesser, Steven Chesser, Kevin Wilson, Bo Chesser, Westin Perkins, Eli Chesser, Walker Wilson, Caleb Mudge and Blake Mudge. Honorary pallbearers will be the staff of Bayview Nursing Home.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Nahunta First Baptist Church and any special needs children’s ministry.

Arrangements are with Frye Funeral Home, Nahunta.

Sympathy may be expressed by signing the online registry at www.fryefh.com.