Juanita W. K. Wightman, 83, died on Dec. 18, 2018 at her home in Blacksburg VA after battling cancer and dementia for nearly five years. She graduated from Petersburg (VA) High School and Smithdeal-Massey Business College. After marriage to Jim Wightman in 1956 at Trinity Methodist Church in Petersburg, the couple set up home in Bethlehem PA.
Juanita was employed as a secretary in the Biology Department at Lehigh University for four years. She “retired” and became a dedicated homemaker during a two-year residence at State College PA. The couple, now with two daughters, moved to Blacksburg in 1962 where Jim had accepted a faculty position at VPI. Their two sons were Virginia-born.
Juanita was a long-time member of Blacksburg United Methodist Church [BUMC] and taught third grade Sunday school for 20 years. She was devoted to her family and loved cooking. Christmas was her favorite holiday. Monday nights, eating out with friends at McDonald’s was a weekly must-attend event as well as playing canasta once a month with other friends. She enjoyed summers at her cabin in Gloucester County and spent hours on end observing birds and other wildlife. She also loved working the daily JumbleR and playing QuiddlerR with family and friends.
Juanita is survived by her husband of 62 years, Jim; daughter Debbie (Rickey) Woods of Newport; daughter Sharon of Hampton; son William (Meg) of Harrisonburg; and son Jim jr (Becky) of Newport News. Precious in her sight were her four grandchildren, Tanya (Tommy) Ingram of Crestview FL, Liam & Alice Wightman of Harrisonburg, Kendal Wightman of Williamsburg, and great grandchildren, Laurana and Korbin Tiberius Ingram.
She is also survived by her sisters Lorene (Thomas) Perry of Suffolk, Mary Frances Blackburn and Barbara Jean (Hank) Beville of Colonial Heights, her aunt Marion Burnette of Bedford, her sister-in-laws Jane Howard (Ashland) and Mary Alice Wightman (Richmond) and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Special thanks go to the staff of Medi-Home Care. Their love, dedication and support will long be remembered by the family.
A celebration of her life with visitation and service was held in the chapel of McCoy Funeral Home in Blacksburg on Friday, Dec. 21, 2018. The Rev. Ralph Rowley officiated. Interment in Westview Cemetery Blacksburg followed. The family welcomed friends at their home following interment.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to BUMC [in support of Circle 2 and/or the Shawl Ministry] PO Box 931, Blacksburg VA 24063. Arrangements By McCoy Funeral Home, Blacksburg.
