Juanna L. (Simmons) Dillard

The vibrant life of Juanna Latoi Simmons-Dillard (“Star Child”) began in Little Rock, Arkansas on September 14, 1976 to Roosevelt and Carolyn Simmons. Juanna’s confession of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ as her personal Savior began at an early age, uniting with Greater Trinity Church of God in Christ (Little Rock, AR) in 1983 under the leadership of the late Saint DeWitt Hill. She later united with One Community Church (Plano, TX) under Dr. Conway Edwards. Known for both charm and wit, Juanna was gifted both in and outside the classroom. Throughout her educational journey she maintained honor roll status. Her academic achievements included being a top 20 graduate of Parkview High School (Little Rock), where she was also captain of the cheerleading team, a member of the band, and a contemporary dance student (ballet, tap, and jazz). Juanna also soared as a student at the University of Arkansas, where she received honors with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice. Thereafter she enrolled at Independence University seeking her graduate degree with aspirations of attending law school. Juanna was always known for being a daredevil and was willing to accept and execute any challenge presented to her. She loved to read, often monopolizing the bathroom as a little girl reading novels. She was also known for being the game night organizer during family gatherings, creating lasting memories of love, laughter, and togetherness – including being the “CEO of the kitchen.” Juanna had a love beyond measure for family and friends and she demonstrated that love in countless, impactful ways. Juanna’s esteemed professional career featured employment in Little Rock, AR with Systematics and
Alltel (Senior Sales Trainer & Operations Training Manager), followed by T-Mobile (Operations Supervisor) in Dallas, TX. She later gained employment with Hyundai Capital America (HCA),
beginning as an Operations Manager of a small team of thirteen and rapidly advancing to Senior Operations Manager. Quickly gaining notoriety for her workplace skill and superior leadership, she
was hand selected to the position of Senior Operations Training Manager. Her professional career recently advanced again with employment and promotion as a Process Manager with Capital One. Her electrifying personality was accentuated by her special sayings: “Hey, girl, hey,” “I love everything about it,” “Simmer,” “Make It make sense,” and “I wanna talk about it.” Juanna had a bottomless love for her children, always going above and beyond to ensure that they were positioned for the best possible life and future. She was united in marriage to Eric Dillard on April 5th, 2022.

She was preceded in death by her father, Roosevelt Simmons, Jr., sisters Melissa Williams and Carla
Wilkerson, her paternal grandparents, Roosevelt Simmons, Sr. and Odessa Jones, and her maternal
grandfather, Emery Artril Tillman, Sr.

Juanna leaves a legacy of love to be cherished by her family: husband, Eric Dillard; children: Taylor Amiyah, Bryan Keith, Jr., and Christian Todd (all of Texas); and Eric, Jr. (Ohio); parents: Ronald
and Carolyn Wilkerson (Arkansas); sisters: Chandra (David) of Illinois, Robin (Mark) of Arkansas, and Ja’Nae (Massachusetts); brothers: Marlon (Toria) of Japan; Ronald, Jr. (Missouri), Roderick (Tenekia), and Larry (both of Arkansas); grandmother: Bobbie Lee Landers (Arkansas), and a host of nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

Family hour Friday, December 9, 2022 7:30-8:30pm. Funeral service Saturday, December 10, 2022 1:00pm with both services held at Greater Trinity COGIC 2400 Wright Ave. Little Rock, Arkansas 72202..

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Juanna L. (Simmons) Dillard, please visit our floral store.