Juanita Walton (Jay), May 19, 1954 – April 12, 2016

Born Juanita Alberta Walton on May 19, 1954 and raised in Kinloch Missouri, Juanita comes from a family of great heritage, history and self-determination.

She earned her Masters degree from Washington University in St. Louis. Her career calling was politics...elected to the Missouri Legislature, she served eight years representing the residents and businesses of St. Louis County.  At the end of her last term, Juanita was about to make a dramatic life change... move from her home of Missouri, across country to Portland, Oregon to pursue personal interest with a man that gave her an opportunity and encouragement to elevate herself to the next level.

After moving to Portland, she not only set up her own businesses, but also served as Administrator for Project Clean Slate.  She served on various board and committees and had a special passion for The Sisters Network, where she served as Director.

Juanita Walton was a very low profile accomplished woman. She was actively involved with the National Foundation of Women Legislators where she served on the board. She has traveled to various countries as representing the United States and Roy Jay Enterprises based in Las Vegas.

Juanita loved God and everyone around her. Her and her business partner, Roy Jay were the quiet sources of scholarships, home financing, job placement and other community endeavors that were never publicized.

Mrs. Walton represented parts of north St. Louis County from 2000 to 2008. She chaired the business and finance committee for the National Black Caucus of State Legislators, served as president of the National Foundation of Women Legislators, and was Democratic committeewoman of Ferguson Township.

She was also a founding member of the Black Women’s Political Action Coalition, an organization aimed at increasing the political influence of women at all levels of elected office.

In a varied career outside politics, Ms. Head Walton was a licensed real estate agent, and worked as a flight attendant for TWA, a trainer for St. Louis Community College, and an instructor at Alabama State University. She was the former director of the Grace Hill Women’s Business Center in St. Louis, and was president of the Sisters Network, an African-American breast cancer organization in Portland, Ore. She was on the board of the Center for Women in Policy and Politics in Portland, Oregon, comprised some a select group of influential and effective females. In addition, she was a registered lobbyist representing large corporations, government agencies as well as Roy Jay’s business and community interest.

Ms. Head Walton was born May 19, 1954, at St. Louis County Hospital in Clayton, to John W. and Delores Head. Her father, John, preceded her in death. She was the fifth of their eight children.She was a graduate of Kinloch High School, Lincoln University and Lindenwood University, and she attended Washington University. She held a masters degree. She was a member of Coleman-Wright CME Church in St. Louis before moving and joining Highland Christian Center in Portland.

Celebration of life event will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday April 30, 2016 at Highland Christian Center located at 7600 NE Glisan Street. Her survivors include her husband, Roy Jay of Portland; her mother, Delores Head; her sons, Elbert Walton III of St. Louis and Capt. Johnathan Walton of the Army National Guard; and seven siblings, Evelyn Head, Joyce Martin, John Head, Charles Head and Sharon Gill, all of St. Louis County, Patricia Johnson of Texas, and Willie Head of Oregon.

In her loving memory, Roy Jay invites people to make contributions to Sisters Network to help educate other women about cancer. Mail contribution to Sisters Network – ORSWWA Chapter 3519 NE 15th Avenue #306 – Portland, OR 97212