Juanita Gale Dunbar Shelton

In Loving Memory of

Juanita Gale Dunbar Shelton

Juanita Gale Dunbar Shelton, 84, of Pearisburg, VA went to be with the Lord March 22, 2017 at the home of her daughter in Richmond, VA. She was born on February 8, 1933 in Laurel Branch, WV. Juanita was the daughter of the late Guy Richard Dunbar, Sr. and Carrie Clarkson Dunbar. Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her loving husband of 56 years, Bane Dunbar Shelton; two brothers, Guy Dunbar, Jr. and Marvin Dunbar; and three sisters, Ellen Snidow, Shirley Rose, and Hazel Hicks. In 1951, Juanita graduated high school in Waiteville, WV, moved to Pearisburg, and began her favorite job as an operator for C&P Telephone Exchange in Pearisburg. Juanita was a woman of faith. She often said that one of the best things that ever happened to her was being brought up in a Christian home. Juanita relished family reunions and explaining the family tree. She loved her church family at First United Methodist Church in Pearisburg. She was a member of the Willing Workers Sunday School Class and the Friendship circle. Many people in Pearisburg will remember her work with the Womens Club and her efforts with the nut sales. She enjoyed working in her yard and was always glad to share flowers. Juanita was a devoted mother. She is survived by one daughter, Margaret E. Shelton of Glen Allen, VA. She is also survived by nieces Rozena Holdren, Gayle Rose, Meg Chisholm and Myra Crew and nephews Garnett Arrington (who was like a little brother), Bryan Rose, Rick Dunbar, Kenny Rose, Gene Haugh, and Lang Shelton. Juanita is also survived by special friends Perk Givens, Connie Smith, Amy Lucas, Robbie Robertson, Dell Harry, and Vickey French. Juanita had to spend time away from her beloved Giles County to be close to her doctors in Richmond. She deeply missed her friends and loved getting cards and news from them. The Willing Workers class sent a card each week. Juanita “took the roll” by looking closely at the names on the card and picturing each person in his or her seat around the class. The family wishes to thank Gordon Hylton, Butch Harry, Ginny Reames, Peggy Trainum, and Robyn Wood for their support. A celebration of her life will be held Saturday, March 25, 2017 at 1 pm at the First United Methodist Church in Pearisburg with the Rev. Dr. Brian Burch and the Rev. Dr. Fred L. Austin officiating with burial following in Birchlawn Burial Park in Pearisburg, VA. The family will receive friends at the Givens Funeral Home Friday evening from 6 – 8 pm. Memorial donations may be made to the First United Methodist Church in Pearisburg, VA. Online condolences can be sent to the family at givensfuneralhome.com.