Juanita Grady Tillman

Juanita Grady Tillman passed away at the Laurels of Chatham on Wednesday, April 16th.  A graveside will be held on Thursday April 24, 2025 at Buffalo Cemetery at 11am.

The family would like to thank the Laurels for the excellent care and love that they provided for Juanita.

Juanita Grady Tillman was born on July 1, 1937 in Faison, NC. She was the daughter of Ben and Ethel Grady. Juanita is survived by brothers, Preston Jim Grady (Shirley) of Roanoke Rapids, CB Grady of Goldsboro and sister, Clara Crase of Richmond Va.

Juanita met her first husband, Norwood Miller while in high school. They married and moved from Mt Olive to Sanford, where Juanita raised their 4 children before retiring to Moncure. Juanita worked many years as a receptionist for optometrist, Dr Leland Hall. Once Dr Hall retired, Juanita was employed by the Wilkinson family and retired from Wilkinson Cadillac and Oldsmobile. It was while working with Dr Hall that Juanita met her second husband, Dewey Tillman.

Anyone who met Juanita would tell you that she was a stubborn, fierce and feisty lady. She was a dedicated employee and worked until she was 70, at which time her mobility became difficult. But even after retirement, she spent many years taking care of the great-grandchildren, who she loved dearly. Once her health started deteriorating, Juanita was placed at the Laurels for rehab, but this ended up becoming her home. It was while at the Laurels that she met one of her closest friends, Callie Jones. Juanita’s mischievous smile would light up the room. The twinkle in her eyes and sneaky laughter will forever be missed.

Juanita is survived by her siblings and her four children. Daughter, Connie Miller-Griffin of Sanford and her sons, Zac and Logan. Son, Andy Miller (Elizabeth) of Leasburg and Andy’s daughters, Lauren and Cameron. Son, Randy Miller (Brenda) of Wake Forest their sons, Michael and Jason. Daughter, Kathie Foushee (Wayne) of Moncure and their sons, Tucker and Ty and daughter, Tannah. Heart-daughter, Colleen Stanley (Scott) of Fayetteville and Colleen’s son, Brandon. Juanita is also survived by 11 great grandchildren.