Anita Darlene McMillian Juliana

Mrs. Anita Darlene McMillian Juliana of Cana, Virginia passed away on May 22, 2025. Darlene was born October 23, 1959, to Clinton and Helen McMillian. She attended St. Paul elementary school and graduated from Carroll County High School. Her life was one filled with laughter, love and hard work. Darlene began her adult life supporting a successful family farm where she was called “the boss lady” and substitute taught in the Carroll County School System. Her love for new adventures led her to become a travel agent and a Director with Mary Kay, in which she was able to see the world and touch the lives of others she met. Darlene never met a stranger, and those she met would be loved and encouraged through all forms of difficulties and tribulations. She embodied Christ’s giving spirit for the poor and lonely and always offered a helping hand. Darlene was confirmed and brought into the fullness of the Catholic Church in 1999, after her marriage to her husband Dave, and she spent her Sundays at Holy Angels Catholic Church in Mt. Airy. Her retirement turned into the opening of her home into the well-known Blue Ridge Manor Bed and Breakfast, where she and her husband Dave enjoyed exchanging stories and becoming life-long friends with guests. Darlene’s love extended beyond people, as her favorite hobby was caring for animals and growing her “zoo” (as she called it) of pets. Her dogs and chickens were spoiled rotten and lived pampered lives along with the wild birds, squirrels, and bears that would frequent her house for meals. Her beloved dogs, Zeus, Athena, Loki, Thor, and Freya were brought home special treats after her many weekly outings. Her chickens, of course, received top-notch treatment too, which her rooster, Trump, was especially thankful for when trying to take care of 24 hens. She is survived by her beloved husband David, of Cana; daughters, Kristin Ayers Myers (Randall) of Roanoke, Melissa Juliana Bullion (Chris) of Wytheville, and Marianna Juliana of Cana; sons, Derek Ayers (Katie) of Advance, and Michael Juliana (Amy) of Willow Springs; grandchildren, Lucas Myers, Marcus Myers, Thomas Myers, of Roanoke, Isabella Myers Davis (Will) of Centreville, Xavier Bullion and Piper Bullion, of Wytheville, Madelyn Juliana, of Cana, Hazel Juliana, of Fuquay-Varina, and Archer Ayers of Advance; and great-granddaughter, Davis of Centreville. In addition to her parents, Darlene was preceded in death by her grandchildren, Adaline and Axel Ayers. The family will receive friends Monday, May 26th, from 10:00 until 11:00 at the Duncan Center at Holy Angels Catholic Church. A funeral mass will be held at 11:00 AM with Father Eric Kowalski celebrating. There will then be a procession to Oak Grove Baptist Church where she played the piano for over 30 years and will be buried alongside her parents. Family and friends will be received at Darlene’s home for a potluck wake immediately following. Moody Funeral Services in Mount Airy is serving the Juliana family.