Mrs. Juanita Elizabeth Clarke Edmonds

Juanita Elizabeth Clarke Edmonds entered eternal rest and went home to be with her Lord on May 28, 2026, at Bon Secours Southside Medical Center in Petersburg, Virginia.

Juanita was born on October 6, 1955, in Ford, Virginia, to the late Jesse Clarke and Edwina Spicely Clarke. She was preceded in death by her brother, Clyde Johnson; her mother-in-law, Deaconess Hazelean Walker; her father-in-law, Milton L. Edmonds; sisters-in-law, Estelle Edmonds and LaVerne Edmonds; and brothers-in-law, Leroy “Bro” Edmonds and Ronnie L. Edmonds.

At an early age, Juanita accepted Christ as her Savior and was baptized at Mt. Poole Baptist Church, where she remained a faithful and devoted member. At Mt. Poole, she sang in the Junior Choir and later became the church’s first choir director. She also sang with “The Group,” and one of her favorite songs was “I’m Going Up Yonder.”

Juanita was educated in the Dinwiddie County Public School system. She furthered her education at Virginia State University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Individualized Studies and a Master’s degree in Counselor Education. She was also a devoted member of the Order of the Eastern Star, P.H.A., Petersburg Chapter No. 33.

Juanita was united in Holy Matrimony to the love of her life, Sherman L. Edmonds, with whom she shared more than forty years of marriage. She was employed by Petersburg Public Schools as an Intervention Specialist for many years until her health began to decline.

Juanita loved reading and learning about the world and the people around her. She was a true educator in every sense of the word. Her extensive book collection reflected her lifelong passion for knowledge. She possessed a special heart for young people and was deeply committed to helping the youth she served throughout her career.

She leaves to cherish her memory her devoted husband, Sherman L. Edmonds; her beloved daughter, Aalayah Edmonds; one sister, Zelda Boston-Woolfolk (Michael) of North Chesterfield, Virginia; her aunt, Millie Spicely; sisters-in-law, Deloris “Lil’ Sis” Johnson of Petersburg, Virginia, Sharon Christine Walker of Petersburg, Virginia, Cassandra Walker of Chesterfield, Virginia, and Elaine Brown (Mitch) of Manassas, Virginia; brother-in-law, Larry Edmonds (Gwen) of Petersburg, Virginia; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and other loving relatives and friends; and her cherished friends, Beverly Brewer and the late Betty Williams.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Bon Secours Southside Medical Center, St. Francis Medical Center, Our Lady of Hope Health Center, and Battlefield Healthcare Center for the compassionate care provided to Juanita. Special thanks are extended to April Parker, NP, of Battlefield Healthcare Center, for the exceptional care, kindness, and dedication shown to my mother. Thank you for always ensuring that she was comfortable and cared for. She loved you and your family dearly, and I will forever be grateful.

"Thank you for taking care of my mom. I am truly thankful." -Aalayah Edmonds

A Celebration of Life Service for Mrs. Juanita E. Clarke Edmonds will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at Trinity Missionary Baptist Church of God In Christ, 233 Halifax Street, Petersburg, Virginia. Bishop Jeffrey L. Dodson, Sr., M.Div., Pastor and Evangelist Barbara Hardy, officiant. Interment will follow at Dinwiddie Memorial Park 7324 Church Road Petersburg, Virginia.

Mrs. Edmonds will lie in state at the church one hour prior to the service.

A public viewing will be held from 12:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Monday, June 8, 2026, at J.L. Dodson and Sons Funeral Establishment  25824 Greensville Avenue, Petersburg, Virginia.

Family and friends are asked to assemble at the residence, 19402 Braebrook Drive, South Chesterfield, Virginia, at 10:30 a.m. on the day of the service.

For those unable to attend in person, the service will be live-streamed, allowing family and friends near and far to come together in prayer, reflection and remembrance. Please click here at time of service to join in the live stream.

Professional funeral services have been entrusted to the staff of the J.L. Dodson and Sons Funeral Establishment, 25824 Greensville Ave. Petersburg, Va., Bishop Jeffrey L. Dodson, Sr., Funeral Director., Ricky Montgomery, Funeral Directors (804) 732-5959 Online condolences may be registered at www.jldodsonandsons.com. “Our Family Servicing Your Family”