Juanita Grace Young

Juanita Grace Hollingsworth Young

April 12, 1927– January 10, 2026

Juanita Grace Hollingsworth Young passed away at North Mississippi Medical Center in Tupelo, leaving behind nearly a century of love, beauty, faith, and family. 

Born in Loyd, Mississippi, on April 12, 1927, she lived a life so full it feels impossible to fit into a few paragraphs.

To her family she was Mama Grace—and before long, she became everyone’s Mama Grace. She had a way of making people feel claimed, seen, and loved. Friends became family. Neighbors became grandchildren. She was an extended grandmother to many who simply needed one.

A Southern Christian lady in every sense, Grace built her life on faith. God and church were not accessories to her life—they were its foundation. She was a lifelong member of North Jackson Street Church of Christ, and her faith was steady, sincere, and quietly powerful. She didn’t just speak about faith, she lived it, leaving a lasting example for generations.

She loved all things lovely—fashion, the beauty shop, a favorite shade of lipstick, a touch of jewelry, freshly done nails. For her, these were small acts of care, pride, and dignity, a way of honoring both herself and others. She believed in showing up with intention and warmth. Her home reflected her heart: festive, welcoming, and always ready for company. Every holiday was an event. Every gathering felt special. She was a hostess in the truest sense of the word.

Her kitchen was sacred ground. Tea cakes, chicken and dressing, and her famous chocolate fudge cake were acts of love disguised as recipes. If you were fed at Mama Grace’s table, you belonged.She adored telling stories of her younger days, especially the love story that defined her life—the one she shared with Malvin “Bo” Young. Their marriage was the kind people write books about. In all the years they were together, no one ever saw them not in love.

Together, she and Bo owned and operated Young’s Studio in Houston, Mississippi for more than 50 years. Through their lens, they captured the milestones of an entire community: weddings, family portraits, school pictures, sports teams, and everyday moments that became treasured memories. Before color photography, Grace hand-tinted portraits, adding life and warmth with her own careful touch. One of her favorite stories was photographing a young Elvis Presley at a talent show at the National Guard Armory in Houston—long before he became The King.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Malvin “Bo” Young, and two grandchildren, Beau Burks Young and Jennifer Young Looney.

She is survived by her children, Larry Young of Denison, Texas, and Beverly Brooks (Randy) of Houston, Mississippi; her grandchildren, Stephanie Brooks Hall of Tupelo, Jason Brooks (Amanda) of Houston, and Jeremy Brooks (Tori) of Houston; along with 11 great-grandchildren, 3 great-great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces and nephews who were the joy of her later years.

A funeral service will be held at Houston Funeral Home Thursday, January 15, 2026 at 2:00 with visitation from 12:00-2:00 PM on Thursday. Burial will be at Chickasaw Memorial Gardens. 

Cade Hall, Barry Hall, Eddie Alford, Donnie Alford, Richard Milstead, Greg Hollingsworth and Jimmy Hollingsworth will serve as pallbearers.

Grace leaves behind a legacy that cannot be measured in years but in lives touched. She taught us how to love well, host graciously, live faithfully, and show up beautifully. The world feels quieter without her—but heaven is surely brighter.