Roll Call Tribute

Juanita Ellen (Gurney) Withem 

November 19, 1947 - March 12, 2025 

Juanita Ellen Withem, of Bryan, Texas went home to be with our Lord and Savior early Wednesday morning, March 12, 2025, surrounded by her children.

Born November 19, 1947 in Claremont, Illinois, she was the daughter of Frank and Viola (Marshall) Gurney. Juanita worked at Texas A&M University for over twenty years in the biochemistry department. When she wasn’t working, Juanita helped her beloved husband, Joel, serve the community at Brazos Valley Family Worship Center. Juanita loved sharing God’s word with others and lived His word. Above all, she loved her family deeply and cherished every moment she spent with them.

In 2007, Juanita Withem and Pastor Joel E. Withem established the Brazos Valley Family Worship Center in Bryan, Texas. After Bro. Withem’s passing, she served as Pastor of the congregation until her passing on Wednesday morning, March 12. Sis. Withem alongside her husband Joel Withem who pastored several churches in the Brazos Valley since moving here in 1970, where they pastored the Snook Assembly of God Church. Since moving to the Brazos Valley, they pioneered and established two churches, the Somerville New Life Church and Brazos Valley Family Worship Center.

Her passion was for her family and the ministry. All members of the family were together at every opportunity. She was on a “best friends” basis with her children and grandchildren. She loved her family and the work of the Lord.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Viola; her brother, Joe Frank Gurney; and her loving husband of forty-nine years, Bro. Joel E. Withem.

Juanita leaves behind to carry on her legacy of service and love for the Lord, three daughters and one son, Angela Withem, Joel E. Withem Jr. and wife Katherine; Ellen Withem-Lazarevic and husband Filip, and, Roberta Withem-Frierson and husband Roy; seven beloved grandchildren, Jonathan Albert Vasquez (Haeli), Ashton Renee Vasquez, Brett Edward Withem, Kennedi Lynn Withem, Abigail Rose Meduna, Ethan Sawyer Meduna, and, Gracie Elizabeth Meduna; she also leaves one great grandchild, Hermione Belle Vasquez; as well as, her church family and friends.

Juanita will be deeply missed by everyone who knew and loved her.

The family will receive friends from 10 to 11 a.m. Friday, March 21st, 2025 with the service to follow at 11 a.m. in the Sanctuary of Brazos Valley Family Worship Center, 4839 N Texas Ave, Bryan, TX 77803; Pastor Joey Rogers, of Pace Assembly in Pace, FL will officiate. The graveside service will follow at College Station City Cemetery, 3800 Raymond Stotzer Parkway, College Station, TX.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Brazos Valley Family Worship Center or any charitable organization of your choice.