• Howard and Jones
Juana Hurst Grover
Jesup—Juana Hurst Grover, 83, died peacefully on Jan. 22, 2026, at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Savannah after a short illness.
Born on Sept. 11, 1942, in Cairo, she was the daughter of the late Ezra and Dorothy Johns Hurst. She grew up in Cairo, graduated from Cairo High School, and later attended Florida State University, where she met the love of her life, her late husband, Ernest Grover.
What followed was a love story with many chapters: a life shaped by adventure, devotion, service and family. As her husband served his country in the United States Navy, they relocated often, learning to make a home wherever they were, together.
She had a lifelong spirit of adventure and independence. She took flying lessons earned her pilot’s license, and the couple spent time flying their small plane—always drawn to open skies and the next horizon. In time, the horizon called in a different way. The couple turned toward the sea. For more than two decades, they lived aboard their sailboat and traveled through the Caribbean and Central and South America, raising their family along the way and building a lifetime of stories. She was even a highly competitive sailboat racer at one time.
Eventually, they traded open water for open land, making Jesup their home in 1998. That began their farming chapter and, with it, the work that so many people remember most—horses, riding lessons, and a deep belief that animals deserved kindness and proper care. The couple boarded horses and taught countless children and adults not only how to ride but how to respect a horse with patience and confidence.
Her dedication also made her a strong advocate. She served as president of the Tennessee Walking Horse Association and was instrumental in drawing attention to and helping to end the abusive practice of “soring,” working tirelessly to protect these animals and promote humane treatment.
The matriarch of the Grover family, she cared deeply for her family, and even as they grew and spread out, building their own lives, she stayed closely connected, always reaching out and making sure everyone felt supported and loved. She also cared deeply about her community and stayed involved, including through Silver Sneakers and the relationships she built through church and local service.
Her faith was an important part of her life. She was a longtime active member and generous supporter of Jesup Presbyterian Church, where she served as an elder. She was also a devoted member of the Presbyterian Women’s Circle, where she served as treasurer and was consistently involved in supporting children at Christmastime alongside the staff and volunteers of Fair Haven.
The couple were instrumental in the founding and management of the Animal Refuge Foundation of Wayne County, lovingly known as ARF, where she served as president and, most recently, as CEO. Over the years, she helped save the lives of more than 1,000 animals. She later managed the spay and neuter clinic and remained steadfastly involved, working diligently to care for the creatures she loved so much.
In addition to her parents and her beloved husband, she was preceded in death by her sister, Lou Halstead.
Survivors include her two sons, Brett (Susan) Grover and Tyler (Lori) Grover; four grandchildren, Britt, Chris, Kristie and Madison; seven great-grandchildren, Mason, Connor, Emersyn, Luke, Maybelle, Mary Ella and Sophia; and numerous extended-family members who loved her dearly.
A memorial service was held Jan. 27 at Jesup Presbyterian Church with the Rev. James Sapp officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are strongly encouraged to be sent to the Animal Refuge Foundation (ARF), P.O. Box 432, Jesup, GA 31598 earmarked for spay and neuter services.
Family and friends may sign the guestbook online at www.jesupfuneralhome.com.
Howard & Jones Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.