Lucy “Juanita” Rhew

Yorktown, Va. – Lucy ‘Juanita’ Rhew (née Wilson) age 89, passed away in her sleep January 10, 2026, at Warwick Forest in Newport News.
Juanita was a homemaker passionately devoted to her family, husband, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She was born at home on December 28, 1936, in the farming community of Rutherfordton, North Carolina, and was one of eight children. After graduating high school, she met the love of her life, Donald ‘Don’ Rhew, while working in a local factory. They were married in 1956 in Greenville, South Carolina. Seeking employment opportunities, they relocated to the Peninsula where Don opened his own business, R&K Exterminating Company. Juanita created a home full of kindness and laughter for Don and their three children. While the children were young, Juanita was active in the local garden club and enjoyed reading, volunteering at the elementary school library, and was a reading partner for high school students. In mid-life, she became a fitness enthusiast, regularly jogging and weight training. She also took up tennis and played frequently, well into her 70’s. As an avid tennis fan, she travelled to tournaments including the US Open, Roland-Garros, and Wimbledon. She cheered on her children and grandchildren in their various sporting events; baseball, football, tennis and swimming. She was adored by her grandchildren and cherished her time with them, especially in their younger years when they were frequently in her care.
She was affectionately known as Grandma and Ma-Maw. She also enjoyed caring for the family dogs, watching comedies, working crossword puzzles, learning the Bible, and walking the neighborhood or city parks with her husband. In 2014, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Don, of 58 years. She is survived by her children and their spouses: Sandy Hennessy (Steve), Sharon Rhew (James Kirschenman), and Ray Rhew (Susan). She is also survived by her grandchildren Kevin Hennessy, Jackson Rhew, Nicholas Rhew, Jeff Hennessy, Kelly Hodges, Matthew Lusk, and David Lusk; and great-grandchildren Colin, Palmer, Chase, Bryant, Declan, Hazel, Autumn, Taylor, and Virginia.
Visitation and a memorial service for family and friends is scheduled for Sunday, January 18th at 1:00 P.M. at Amory Funeral Home in Yorktown, Virginia. The family requests that memorial gifts be made to your local SPCA.