Juanita Elizabeth "Nita" Edwards

Juanita Elizabeth was born April 28, 1941, at Northern Hospital of Surry County. She was the seventh child of the late Johnnie Clifford Draughn (d. 1974) and Christine Gammons Draughn (d. 1997). The Draughns lived on Tom Cook Road in Westfield and were tobacco sharecroppers.

Nita, as she was affectionately known by her siblings, attended Westfield School graduating in 1959 and began a long career in the textile industry. She worked first at Washington Mills and then at Pine State Knitware, the latter located on Independence Boulevard in Mount Airy. It was through this work that she met the love of her life, the late Jessie Carlis Edwards (d. 2019), whom she married November 03, 1962 at a wedding officiated by the late Rev. Tom Cook. Together, they had three children: Nick Baron Edwards (b. 1960), Ginger Lannette Collins (b. 1963), and Michael Todd Edwards (b. 1968).

Nita first attended Flippin Memorial Baptist Church in Flat Rock before joining Woodville Baptist Church in Westfield on February 09, 1992. She was a devoted member, serving on several committees over the years including evangelism, history, nominating, benevolence, communion, and kitchen. Through the latter, she often prepared, bought, and served food for major church events including Vacation Bible School and homecoming as well as holidays and bereavements. Food was, for her, the ultimate gift and demonstration of love and hospitality.

Nita ultimately earned another nickname: she became “Granny” to Brandon Edwards (b. 1983), Shacana Mertson (b. 1989), Anna Mertson (b. 1998), and Catherine Corn (b. 2000), as well as to two step-grandchildren Abigail Keeton (b. 2000) and Hannah Saavedra (b. 2002). It is no exaggeration that Granny relished life as a grandmother and was heavily involved in the lives of her grandchildren: she built sheet forts; read, made up, and embellished stories; cheered for little league teams; made snow-cream and went on hikes along the Blue Ridge Parkway; watched Walker, Texas Ranger; and more recently attended musical performances and weddings (including arranging bouquets and flowers), baked casseroles, and even doted on her four-legged family members. She was expecting her first two great grandchildren this summer.

Juanita loved her yard and could be seen tending her favorite plants—azaleas, geraniums, begonias, and impatiens—many of which were potted on her porch where she often glided peacefully in her rocking chair watching wildlife each evening. Nita will also be remembered for her impeccable fashion sense: smart, coordinated outfits; stylish hair and jewelry; and painted nails.

Finally, anyone who knew Juanita recognized her as an active woman, full of life and energy, spunky and spry. One of her favorite, almost daily activities was to drive “around the block,” behind the wheel of her Toyota RAV4. Granny took her final spin on Wednesday, April 08. We rejoice and have every confidence she is now speeding along streets of gold through pearly gates, having rejoined those who preceded her in death. These include her mother and father, husband, and siblings (Clifford Draughn, Mary Lou Hall, Zettie Smith, Francis Leftwich, Jackie Shinault, Wayne Draughn, Walter Draughn, Arnold Draughn, and Roger Draughn). Drive on, Granny, drive on.

Rest eternal grant unto her, O Lord, and let light perpetual shine upon her.

A funeral service to honor Juanita’s life will be held Monday, April 20, 2026, at 2:00 PM at Woodville Baptist Church with the Rev. Kevin Kilby and Bro. Sammy Lawson officiating. A burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends on Sunday, April 19, 2026, from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM at Moody Funeral Home in Mount Airy.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be made to the Woodville Baptist Church Cemetery Fund.