Juanita Pearl Dobbs

31 Dec 1927 – 12 Sep 2026

Juanita Dobbs passed away peacefully in her sleep on the morning of the 12th of September, 2026. She was born on New Year’s Eve in 1927 and although not Jewish, she passed away at the age of 98 during Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year…a fitting closure to a life well-lived. Although she will be greatly missed, Juanita was prepared for the next journey with her heavenly father.

Juanita was born to Charles and Levina Harris outside Granger, WA as “Harris baby #3” on the Harris farm located on the Yakima Indian Reservation. As more Harris children arrived, she eventually became one of 9 Harris children and adopted the name Juanita because “I liked it”.

Juanita worked as an LPN, trained horses and for many years was active in the Eastern Star. Her husband Jim was a WWII veteran, having fought during D-Day on the beaches of Normandy and the rest of the German campaign. Jim was very involved with the Shriners Masonic Lodge in Yakima and was a 33rd-degree Mason. Coincidently, Juanita became very involved in the Eastern Star, and was at one time the “Most Worthy Grand Matron” for the Yakima Chapter of the Eastern Star.

Juanita had a delightful and natural sense of humor, funny without trying to be. She would say what she was thinking to the delight of those who knew and loved her. One year, Marlee and Alan decided to celebrate their anniversary with some dear friends with whom they shared an anniversary date. Juanita was asked to accompany everyone for their anniversary supper. Riding that evening in a Rolls Royce Silver Cloud was a very special memory for Juanita, as she commented “so this is how the other half lives!”

She lived a full and happy life in Yakima, WA for many years among family and friends. In her later years, she decided to move to Brunswick, GA to be near her daughter and resided at Homelife on Glynco during that time. She was dearly beloved by the staff at Homelife and her many friends among the residents. The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Homelife for the love, care, and concern they have shown for Juanita these past few years, and our deep gratitude to Hearth Hospice for the care shown over the past year.

Juanita is preceded in death by her husband Jim Dobbs; siblings Barbara Harris (Ed), Mel Harris (Marilyn), Bud Harris (Erma), Norman Harris (Doreen), Dale Harris, Gene Harris, and Ben Harris; she is survived by her daughter Marlee Price (Alan), son Mel Beard (Lisa), her granddaughter Meredith Levitt (Reuven) , and two wonderful great grandchildren (Ethan Sky and Naomi Jade), as well as her remaining sister Francis Jordan.

Donations in Juanita’s honor may be made to the Shriner’s Hospital for Crippled Children in Dallas, TX – a charity near and dear to Juanita. She chose to be cremated and will be honored at a graveside service at her homeplace near Sunnyside Washington at a later date.