Nellie "Juanita" McCaslin

Nellie "Juanita" McCaslin, 86, passed away on Dec. 23, 2022, at her home with her husband of 67 years by her side.

Juanita was born on Dec. 1, 1936, in Belzoni, Miss., to Opal and Mark Hanson Sr. Juanita was the eldest of her three siblings: her brother, Mark Jr., and her two sisters, Jo Ann and Edna Mae. In 1952, at the age of 15, Juanita and her family moved to California.

Juanita went on to meet Billy Wayne McCaslin at Minter Field in 1954 after a softball game. Juanita and Billy got married in a small church in Buttonwillow on April 2, 1955. They were then blessed with three sons: Larry, Jerry and Garry.

Juanita helped Billy start Bill McCaslin Harvesting in 1956, McCaslin Trucking in 1957, BJ Farms in 1978 and M&M Farms in 1980. She did the bookkeeping for all the companies and did the bookkeeping for two churches. Juanita loved the Lord, gospel music, playing the piano and bass guitar, as well as working in her beautiful rose garden. Juanita raised her children and grandchildren with much love, faith and compassion.

Juanita is survived by her husband, Billy McCaslin; her brother, Mark Hanson Jr.; her two sons, Jerry and Garry McCaslin; eight grandkids, 13 great-grandkids and one great-great grandson.

Juanita was proceeded in death by her parents, Opal and Mark Hanson Sr.; her two sisters, Jo Ann and Edna Mae; and her eldest son, Larry McCaslin.

The Lord blessed and guided her all her life. Juanita will be remembered for her kindness, strength, compassion, and selflessness. Most of all, her love for Jesus Christ.

We want to thank all the employees at Hoffman Hospice for their outstanding job of making this situation as easy as possible.

Proverbs 3:5: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart; and lean not unto your own understanding."

Proverbs 3:6: "In all ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths."

Juanita's funeral service will be held at the Shafter Mennonite Brethren Church on Friday, Jan. 6, beginning at 10 a.m.; graveside committal will follow at Shafter Memorial Park. Peters Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.