Juanita Bell (McCrackan) Taylor

February 19, 1921 – January 27, 2026

Juanita Belle (McCrackan) Taylor was born on February 19, 1921, in Wheatland, Pennsylvania, and passed away on January 27, 2026, at Harmon House, Virginia Mennonite Retirement Community, at the remarkable age of 104 — just three weeks shy of her 105th birthday. She was the beloved daughter of Earl Craig and Nellie Stuart McCrackan.

In 1944, Juanita married Lewis A. Taylor and made her home in Harrisonburg, Virginia, where she would go on to dedicate an extraordinary 62 years to Rockingham Memorial Hospital. She began her career there in 1947 in the medical records department, eventually rising to serve as its director. Over the decades she took on many different roles, but the work she treasured most was her time as secretary to several of the hospital's medical staff committees — a position that allowed her to build meaningful relationships with the physicians, deepen her understanding of their work, and take quiet pride in the care being provided to the community.

Beyond her professional life, Mrs. Taylor gave generously of her time and talents in service to others. In the mid-1950s she began helping to finish handmade stuffed toys for children in the pediatric ward, often bringing them home to put the final stitches in place herself. In later years, when her son was deployed to serve in Vietnam, she channeled her worry into purpose by volunteering at the hospital's emergency room triage desk and critical care desk. She is perhaps most fondly remembered for her many years in the hospital gift shop, where she trained countless volunteers and made sure that the needs and wishes of every customer were always met.

Her spirit of service extended well beyond the hospital walls. Mrs. Taylor was a longtime and active member of Business and Professional Women, Quota International, and the auxiliaries of both the Salvation Army and the Veterans of Foreign Wars — organizations through which she poured her energy, her care, and her commitment to community into the lives of those around her.

Faith was a steady foundation throughout her life. Mrs. Taylor was a devoted and longtime member of Otterbein United Methodist Church, where she also served faithfully as a Sunday School teacher, nurturing the faith of generations of young people in her community.

Among her cherished pastimes were road trips to Cape Cod, which she enjoyed with her sister Roberta ("Pokey") or her neighbor and dear friend Peggy Crawford.

Mrs. Taylor is survived by her son, Lewis A. Taylor II, and his wife Kathleen; two grandchildren, Lewis A. Taylor III and Lindsay Jean (Papp); three great-grandchildren, Allyson, Hayley, and Sophya; two step-grandchildren, Karin (Robinson) and Tara (Ramos); five step-great-grandchildren, Trevor, Holden, Erica, Isabel, and Vasco; and three step-great-great-grandchildren, Emry, Phoebe, and Roman.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Lewis A. Taylor; her brother, Clarence; and her sisters, Elva and Roberta.

The family is deeply grateful to Kathy Taylor, who lovingly called her "Aunt Juanita," and to Breck Hook, both of whom provided devoted care and generous attention that were an immeasurable comfort and blessing. Special thanks also go to the wonderful staff at Virginia Mennonite Retirement Community, especially the caring staff at Harmon House.

A memorial service will be held at Otterbein United Methodist Church on Saturday, June 6, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. The family will receive friends following the service. A private burial will take place at Woodbine Cemetery.