Juanita Graham Collis, 97, of The Village of Orchard Ridge in Winchester VA (formerly from Leetown WV) passed away peacefully at her residence on May 28, 2022.
Juanita was born on 4/17/1925 in Berkeley Springs WV. Her parents were Dustin S Graham and Clara Everett Graham. Her parents later moved the large family that included 7 sisters and 4 brothers to Leetown WV, where they farmed for an owner that gave them a percentage of the livestock and produce for their work. They experienced the depression firsthand, and although they were poor, they were never hungry. Juanita preferred housework over field work, but she did enjoy the animals.
After graduating from Charles Town High School in WV in 1944, she worked at the Treasury Dept in Washington DC, and the Newton D Baker Army Hospital in Martinsburg WV.
Juanita was married after WWII to ‘a Leetown boy’ soldier, Warren G Collis who was just discharged from the European theatre. They converted a Leetown service station into their home, where she lived for 72 years. Warren Collis passed away in 1996.
Juanita worked many years in the Administrative Office at the Leetown National Fish Health Research Laboratory. She enjoyed meeting the many scientists from other countries who came to study and learn about fish diseases.
Juanita is survived by her two daughters, Diane Collis and Tricia Scott, who reside in Yellow Spring, WV, grandson, Michael Kisner II and wife Amy and great-grandsons, Grant and Luke, who reside in Baton Rouge, LA, sister, Devonna Snyder of Ranson, WV, sister, Nancy Roper of Fayettville, NC, plus many relatives, friends and neighbors who have been an important part of her life.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests if donations wish to be made, that consideration be to Blue Ridge Hospice, 333 W Cork St #405, Winchester VA 22601, whose associates were so helpful to Juanita in her final year of life, or Leetown United Methodist Church, 11133 Leetown Rd, Kearneysville WV 25430, where Juanita attended services throughout her adult life. Donations to any favorite charity that supports the improvement of life to others, animals included, are also welcome.
A visitation will be Monday, June 6, 2022 from 10am to 11am with a Celebration of Life at 11am held at the Chapel at The Village of Orchard Ridge, with a reception following the service.