Juana Hurst Grover

Juana Hurst Grover, 83, passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 22, 2026, at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Savannah after a short illness.

Born on September 11, 1942, in Cairo, Georgia, Juana 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 Ernest Grover served his country in the United States Navy, they relocated often, learning to make a home wherever they were, together.

Juana had a lifelong spirit of adventure and independence. She took flying lessons, earned her pilot’s license, and she and “Ernie” spent time flying their small plane—always drawn to open skies and the next horizon.

In time, the horizon called in a different way. Juana and Ernie turned toward the sea. For more than two decades, they lived aboard their sailboat and traveled through the Caribbean, Central and South America, raising their family along the way and building a lifetime of stories.  Juana had even been 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. Juana and Ernie boarded horses and taught countless children and adults not only how to ride, but how to respect a horse with patience and confidence.

Juana’s 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.

Juana, the matriarch of the Grover family, cared deeply for her family, and even as they grew and spread out, each 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. Juana 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 Christmas time alongside the staff and volunteers of Fair Haven.

Juana and Ernie were instrumental in the founding and management of the Animal Refuge Foundation of Wayne County, loving known as ARF, where she served as president and, most recently, as CEO. Over the years, she helped save the lives of over 1000 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, Juana was preceded in death by her sister, Lou Halstead. She is survived by her two sons, Brett Grover and wife Susan and Tyler Grover and wife Lori; 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 will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, at Jesup Presbyterian Church, with Reverend 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.

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