Juanita Mildred Mathes

I can do all things through Jesus Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13
Juanita Mildred Mathes, age 96, of Unicoi, passed away on Saturday, July 12, 2025, at Christian Care Center of Unicoi. A native of Erwin, Juanita is a daughter of the late James Monroe and Gladys Mary (Smith) Banner. She is a graduate of Unicoi County High School. While attending Business School at ETSU, Juanita worked for the head of the Math Department, Dr. Lester Hartsell, from 1963 - 1965. In 1965, she was recruited by the US Department of the Navy, where she worked at its headquarters in Washington DC as an Administrative Assistant until 1970. She went on to accept a position at the Department of Labor and served there from 1970 until 1976. While working for this agency, Juanita regularly submitted reports to congress in support of legislation for protection and safety for underground coal miners. She continued her business degree at Prince George Community College in the DC area and from 1976 – 1980 she continued her work on behalf of underground coal miners with Mine Health and Safety, an agency formed to enforce the legislation she helped prepare for congress by the Labor Department. Here, Juanita received two Outstanding Achievement Awards for her attention to detail and dedication to her work. She retired in 1980 and soon after returned to Unicoi County. In addition to her parents, Juanita is preceded in death by her husband, Albert Phillip Mathes; daughter, Carol June Rice; sons: Phillip Mathes and Michael Mathes; granddaughter, Millie Allison Rice; sisters: Maude Nanney, Myrtle Lewis, Nell Smith, and June Banner; brothers: Charlie Banner, Floyd Banner, Boyd Banner, Donald Banner, Wayne Banner, Bob Banner, Marvin Banner, and David Banner.
Juanita Mildred Mathes has left behind to cherish her memory: grandchildren: Heather Anderson, Rachel Whitson, Mary Ann Chandler, Timothy Rice, Andrew Rice, Bryan Mathes, Wayne Mathes, Daniel Mathes, Mark Mathes, Lindsey Mathes, David Mathes, Stephen Mathes, Lori Jordan, and Rebecca Carver; great-grandchildren: Leah Chandler, Aurora Whitson, Violet Whitson, Trevor Rice, Dylan Rice, Eve Jordan, Maya Jordan, and Dominic Jordan; brother, Bill Banner (Kathryn); several nieces nephews and friends.
The family respectfully requests the honor of your presence as we offer tribute and remember the life of Juanita Mildred Mathes in graveside committal service to be held 2:00 pm on Thursday, July 17, 2025, in Jones Cemetery. Minister Tim Hall will officiate. A visitation period to share memories and offer support to the family will begin at 11:00 am on Thursday and will continue until 1:00 pm in the chapel at Valley Funeral Home. Those attending the committal service should meet at Valley Funeral Home by 1:30 pm on Thursday to go in procession to the cemetery.
Condolences and memories may be shared with the family and viewed at www.valleyfuneralhome.net or on our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ValleyFuneralHomeErwin. These arrangements are made especially for the family and friends of Juanita Mildred Mathes through Valley Funeral Home, 1085 N Main Ave., Erwin, TN. 37650. (423)743-9187.