Juanita W. Ross

Juanita W. Ross, 90, of Durham, North Carolina entered into Heaven into the arms of Jesus on Saturday, June 6, 2026. She was born on September 13, 1935 in Durham, NC to the late James and Ethel Whitfield.

In addition to her parents, she is also preceded in death by her loving husband of 51 years, Johnny M. Ross; brothers, Milton Whitfield, Ira Whitfield and Jay Whitfield; sisters, Ruth Baker and Sue Ward.

Mrs. Ross retired as an office clerk from Erwin Oil Co. in 1989 after working there for 25 years.

Juanita was a faithful Christian woman who was taught by her father to be involved with the church. As a family they enjoyed walking to church together going to Greystone Baptist Church where she was baptized and served as a longtime member.

Mrs. Ross then became a member at Durham Memorial Baptist Church where she joined the Ruth Gleaners Sunday School Class as a faithful sister in Christ. For many years Juanita always enjoyed singing in the choir. She also served as a Sunday School Teacher and helped with Children’s Vacation Bible School.

Juanita loved going to the beach and mountains. She especially liked to garden and look at her beautiful flowers. Most of all she loved her family, going to gatherings and reunions. Mrs. Ross will be remembered as a wonderful and loving wife, mother and grandmother. She will be deeply missed by the many lives she touched.

Juanita is survived by her daughter, Debra Mangum (Scott); son, David Ross (Ramonda); sisters, Mary Lou Holt and Patricia Whitfield; sisters-in-law, Joyce Ross and Madeline Ross; brothers-in-law, Henry Ward and Merrill Ross; grandchildren, Dave Ross, Jr. and Austin Ross; special friend and neighbor Tina Johnson; special care giver Lisa; and numerous other loving nieces, nephews and family members.

A Funeral Service and Celebration of Life will be held at 11:30 A.M. on Monday, June 15, 2026 at Durham Memorial Baptist Church, 133 Robbins Rd., Durham, NC 27703. Interment will follow at Oak Grove Memorial Gardens in Durham, NC. Rev. Tim Griffin and Rev. Ed Denton will officiate.

The family will receive friends prior to the service starting at 10:00 A.M.

Serving as Pallbearers will be David Ross, Jr., Austin Ross, Brett Baker, Matt Baker, Benji Baker and Will Newman. Joe Westmoreland will be an honorary pallbearer.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made in Juanita’s name to Durham Memorial Baptist Church, 133 Robbins Rd., Durham, NC 27703 or Dementia Alliance of North Carolina, 9131 Anson Way, Suite 206, Raleigh, NC 27615 or by going to https://dementianc.org