Juanita Perrin Burns

Juanita Perrin Burns, age 89, passed away peacefully on Aug. 6, 2025, at her home in Virginia Beach, VA. Born April 8, 1936, near Batesville, Arkansas, she was the eldest of three children of Austin and Emma Perrin, and a devoted sister to Mary Lee and Johnny.

Juanita's life was defined by quiet strength, deep loyalty, and a boundless love for family and community. After high school, she attended college briefly before beginning a successful career with Southern Bell as a nighttime switchboard operator. Her dedication and talent led to a promotion to telephone sales representative, a role she held for 15 years, earning numerous awards for her excellence.

She met her future husband, John Robert Burns, Jr., in Batesville. After a four-year courtship while Robert pursued his education and military commission, they married on May 28, 1959. Two days later, Robert graduated and began his service in the U.S. Marine Corps. Over 20 years, they moved fourteen times, with Juanita lovingly turning each house into a home.

While stationed in Okinawa, Japan, Juanita embraced travel across Asia, collecting cherished memories. After Robert's retirement, they settled in Virginia Beach and founded Pungo Blueberries, a beloved pick-your-own farm. Juanita was the heart of the operation-greeting customers with warmth, working alongside Robert, and preparing over 100 cases of homemade jams each winter.

Guided by her motto, "Treat others as you would like to be treated," she was a cheerful, thoughtful soul who left a lasting impression on everyone she met.

Juanita is survived by her husband Robert; sons Robert "Perry" (wife Beverly) and Rodger "Rod" (wife Kymberli); grandchildren and great-grandchildren Octavia, River, Silas, and Maverick who brought her endless joy; niece Laura; nephews Eric and Ricky; and many dear friends and neighbors.

A celebration of life is being held on September 6th, 2:00 pm at Altmeyer Funeral Home Chapel, 5033 Rouse Dr, Virginia Beach, VA 23462.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Juanita's name to the American Heart Association: https://www.heart.org/donate, or the American Lung Association: https://www.lung.org/donate Please view her tribute at: https://www.forevermissed.com/juanita-perrin-burns/