Juanita Mell

Juanita F. (Mullins) Mell, 87, passed away Thursday, November 12, 2020 at UPMC Carlisle.  She was born in Pound, VA on July 6, 1933 to the late Archibald and Celesta (Adkins) Mullins.  Juanita resided in Newville with her husband of 47 years, Ray E. Mell, and her granddaughter, Julie F. Mell.

In addition to her husband, Juanita is survived by her children and stepchildren, Delbert A. Pettit of Newville, Corey R. Mell of Carlisle, Deborah J. Yohe (Amos) of Newville, Star L. Wiskeman (Anthony) of Carlisle and Cindy L. Piper (Donald) of Gardners; daughters-in-law, Kathy Young of New Hampshire, Suzette Pettit of  Harrisburg, Angela Pettit of Mifflintown; 18 grandchildren, 34 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.  Juanita was preceded in death by her siblings, Hazel Heberlig, James Mullins, Ivan Dennis Mullins, Alma Reed, Nancy Keller and Eddie Mullins;  sons, Gary E. Pettit and Steven A. Pettit; daughter-in-law, Nancy Mellinger; granddaughter Shelley Pettit and great-grandson, Cayden Pettit.

Juanita will be remembered for her spirit and feisty nature as well as her love for God and her family.  Her husband, children and grandchildren were her focus in life. Juanita's work life centered around hostessing, entrepreneurship skills in running a restaurant, selling Avon and other business ventures.  She and her husband, with the assistance of son Corey and granddaughter Julie, enjoyed being vendors of different games of chance in local county fairs for many years. She loved finding a good deal at a local yard sale or flea market and she couldn't pass up a competitive game of Bingo. Juanita retired after working at several local McDonalds.  Her McDonalds’ friends provided many fond reminiscences over the years.  Juanita was a member of the Mt. Holly Springs First Church of God  She will be lovingly remembered by family and friends as we process our loss and celebrate her life on earth and in heaven.

Due to the coronavirus, a memorial and celebration of life service will be held at a later date at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, please make memorial contributions to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105.