Cover photo for Jewel L. Junior's Obituary
Jewel L. Junior Profile Photo

Jewel L. Junior

September 16, 1948 — February 17, 2018

Somewhere in the early morning hours of Saturday, February 17th, 2018 time stopped for an instant as God called a PHENOMENAL angel home to rest. Jewel L. Junior departed this earth and left behind a rich legacy. She leaves behind two loving children, LaWanda L. Graves-Byron (Bonaire, Ga) & Kevin L. Junior (Indianapolis, IN); three Grandchildren, Christian D. Graves, Cameron D. Graves, & Ciera J. Byron, who she was exceptionally proud of and lastly one Great-Granddaughter, Jasmine Darlington, that brought her untold joy in her last days.

Jewel was born to Willie J. Huling Sr. & Helen Huling (Johnson), who both proceeded her in death. From these two amazing individuals Jewel’s brother Willie Huling Jr was born. He proceeded her in death, as well. The legacy created from this union is one of great sacrifice and untold success. Willie taught his children that family was most important, to work hard, and to strive to be the best at whatever they chose to do with their lives. It didn’t matter if they dug ditches, saved lives, or raised children he taught them to be the best at it. Helen instilled a rich spiritual foundation, along with a strong sense of independence, compassion for others, and the importance of saving.

Given this background Jewel graduated from Cass Technical High School, in Detroit Michigan, a year early. She went on to attend Michigan State, where she met Stephen Junior and later married him. Her two children were born from this union. During their marriage Jewel began her long history of entrepreneurship, with the opening of a Shell Gas station and a local ice cream truck, while going to school and working at the Post Office. She would eventually divorce Stephen Junior and make the hard decision to move her two young children to Los Angeles, California.

Jewel was awarded a full scholarship to the University California Los Angeles (UCLA), one the most prestige’s universities in the U.S. Given this opportunity Jewel drove across country with her two children, to a state where she knew no one, to pursue a better life for her and her children. As a single mother, she at times worked two jobs while going to school full time. Jewel graduated from UCLA, with a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Psychology and a minor in Computer Science.

Never one to allow her children to suffer, she fulfilled roles as both mother and father. She coached her daughters Little League Team, her son’s basketball teams, while playing softball on three teams herself. She had a love for sports and the outdoors. Quite often you would find her loading up the RV and taking her children, nieces, and nephews on various trips. You might even find her underneath a car changing brakes or the oil, skills she learned from her loving father, Willie.

After college Jewel worked for Roadway Express for several years, as a Systems Analyst and would later secure a position with the Los Angeles Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA). While working for MTA Jewel was a Union Steward and later became the Union Treasurer. She worked for MTA for 23 years before retiring in 2011 to pursue her love of travel and spending time with her family. Just recently Jewel had made trips to South Africa, Brazil, Cayman Islands, Belize, Roatan, Cozumel, and Costa Maya.

Retirement gave Jewel a new lease on life as she took to boxing, swimming, and yoga daily. She also spent a great deal of time active in her church, with its various ministries. Her love for people and desire to be a blessing to all that she met created a community of people who will miss her dearly. Once in a lifetime you meet someone, who can be all things to all people and still be true to themselves, that was Jewel. Whatever you needed she had a resource for it if she couldn’t help you herself. Her life is a living testament to family, hard work, and dedication. Jewel was able to live her to the fullest, enjoying every second of it and her spirit will live on in her children, grandchildren, great grandchild, nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and church members.

Visitation will be Saturday, February 24, 2018 from 2:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. at McCullough Funeral Home with a funeral service following at 3:00 p.m. in the chapel.

McCullough Funeral Home and Crematory has the privilege of being entrusted with Mrs. Junior’s arrangements.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Jewel L. Junior, please visit our flower store.

Service Schedule

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Visitation

Saturday, February 24, 2018

2:00 - 3:00 pm (Eastern time)

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Funeral Service

Saturday, February 24, 2018

Starts at 3:00 pm (Eastern time)

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