Juanita Burney

Juanita "Nita" Burney (also known as the “Creative Queen”), 42, transitioned to the spirit realm on July 6, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family. Born on September 2, 1983, in New Haven, Connecticut, Nita was the beloved daughter of Alice Blackmon-Burney and Henry Burney Jr. She was the fourth of seven children, growing up alongside three brothers and three sisters. She attended Common Ground High School, and later began her career as a Certified Nurse's Assistant after attending Job Corps. Nita dedicated herself to caring for others before boldly pursuing her passion as an Entrepreneur and Creative Designer. To know Nita was to know love. She loved deeply, gave generously, and poured her whole heart into everything she did. Whether she was sharing her time, offering encouragement, or using her many talents to brighten someone's day, she showed up with compassion and authenticity. Nita was a visionary in every sense of the word. She could imagine an idea in her mind and, before long, bring it to life with her own hands. Her creativity knew no bounds. Through her art, she celebrated culture, uplifted her community, and created spaces where people could see themselves reflected with pride and beauty. She designed jewelry, custom drinkware, headwraps, personalized Afro-Betty Boop artwork, shirts, clocks, purses, and countless other handmade creations. Every piece carried her imagination, passion, and unmistakable artistic spirit. Above all else, Nita was an extraordinary mother. Her children were the center of her world, and she made countless sacrifices to ensure they were loved, cared for, and provided for. She would go without if it meant her children had everything they needed. She would split her last dollar to make sure someone had food to eat and open her home so no one had to spend a night in the cold. Her generosity was not something she turned on and off—it was simply who she was. Nita was also a proud supporter of Black-owned businesses and believed deeply in investing in and uplifting her community. She cherished her siblings, treasured her family, and found joy in gathering with the people she loved most. She lived courageously, pursued her dreams without apology, and inspired others to do the same. Though her time with us was far too short, Nita leaves behind a legacy of love, creativity, generosity, and fearless self-expression. She had so many dreams still unfolding, yet the impact she made in the lives of those who knew and loved her will continue to bloom for generations to come. She leaves to cherish her memory her mother Alice Blackmon-Burney and father Henry Burney Jr.; her children Javyis Burney and Khloe Burney; her granddaughter Kamara Williamson Burney; her sisters Crystal Burney, Catrenna “Trenna” Burney and Ashley Burney; her brothers Juan Burney, Terrance “Terry” Burney, and Henry “Lil Hank” Burney III; her Aunts Jacqueline Hines, Ethel (Kenyatta) Harris, Gladys Blackmon, Vickie Munn, and Kathy Bridges; her Uncle Dwayne “Born U” (Sheila) McDaniel; special friends John Rembert and Zakiyyah Hardy; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives, friends and community members. Nita's journey on this earth ended far too soon. She had so many plans, so many dreams still waiting to unfold, and so much more love to give. Yet the beauty she created, the lives she touched, and the love she poured into her family and community will continue to live on. Though she will be deeply missed, her spirit remains present in every act of kindness, every burst of creativity, and every life she inspired to dream boldly and love wholeheartedly.

Juanita Burney

September 2, 1983 - July 6, 2026