On January 29, 2026, Juanita A. Cole —affectionately known as "Wannie"—slipped away peacefully and went home to be with the Lord. Born on May 17, 1942, in Stafford County, Virginia, she was the beloved daughter of Elouise Allen and Lewis Minor.

Juanita received her education in the District of Columbia and when schools were integrated, she made history as one of the first three Black students to attend and graduate from Western High School. After graduation, she moved to Hartwood, Virginia, where she lived with her sister Mary and her family. It was there that she met and married the love of her life, Sanford J. Cole, Sr. Together they built a beautiful life and were blessed with four children: Sanford Jr. (Poochie), Alethea (Lisa), Stewart, and Curley.

Juanita accepted Christ at the tender age of 8 and was baptized at Shiloh Old Site Baptist Church in Garrisonville, Virginia. In August 1963, she joined Mount Olive Baptist Church in Stafford, Virginia, where she remained a devoted and faithful member for 63 years. Over the decades, she served joyfully in several ministries, including the Usher Ministry, Hospitality Ministry, and Women's Ministry. She loved attending church functions and fellowshipping with congregations throughout the area.

Throughout her working years, Juanita was employed in domestic service and worked for many families in Stafford County—relationships that blossomed into lifelong friendships. Among those she served were Dr. Lewis Moss, Kelly Johnson, Linda and David Beck, Genny Branscome, Martha Johnson, and her friend Jack. She also worked as a caretaker for Mr. & Mrs. Harden of Fredericksburg until they both passed away. Outside of work, Juanita cherished time with family and friends, especially hosting cookouts. She enjoyed reading, writing, playing cards, playing bingo, and cooking—activities that brought her joy and connected her to the people she loved.

Juanita was preceded in death by her parents, Elouise Johnson and Lewis Minor; her husband, Sanford Cole Sr.; her grandson; Terrell Cole; her sisters; Mary Johnson (Eddie), Diane Johnson, and Evelyn Johnson; and her brother; William Johnson and Samual Johnson Sr.

She leaves to honor her memory her children: Sanford Cole Jr. (Karen), Alethea Cole, Stewart Cole, and Curley Cole; 13 grandchildren—Tyrone, Michelle, Juanita, Lynette (Dominguez), Shonda, Precious, Denzel (Christine), John, Terrance, Darren, Jalona, and Hughmari; 24 great‑grandchildren; one great‑great‑grandchild; her sister Elaine Bailey(Chris); and a host of nieces, great nieces, nephews, great nephews, cousins, and friends.

Juanita will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered for her unwavering love, warm hospitality, and tireless devotion to everyone she cherished.

A viewing will be held at A.L. Bennett and Son Funeral Home, on Friday, February 20, 2026, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM and one hour before the funeral service. A funeral service will be held at Mount Olive Baptist Church, 395 Mount Olive Road, Stafford, VA, 22555, on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at 12:00 PM. The interment will follow at Mount Olive Baptist Church Cemetery.