Obituary of Juanita Layman Neely

Juanita Layman Neely, 90, of Roanoke, VA peacefully went to be with the Lord on Friday, March 1, 2024 at her family home.

Born in Floyd, Virginia, to Weda Sweeney Layman and William D. Layman on April 7, 1933, Juanita was baptized at the Little River Baptist Church. The family settled in Roanoke where they opened their first business W & H Confectionery which later became Layman Candy Company. Juanita graduated from Jefferson Senior High School in 1951, soon married and had three daughters. At the age of 29, she joined her parents at Layman Candy Company and grew the business while raising her children on her own. Juanita became President of the company in 1963 and took the business to greater heights, growing the local shop to a multi-state operation, now known as Layman Distributing. Juanita remained President of Layman Distributing for 55 years and served as Chairwoman of the Board until her death.

Juanita was a devoted daughter, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. She was a pillar of the Roanoke, Salem community and one of the leading female business owners in the area, being named to the WorkingWoman magazine's Top 500 business women in the US. She devoted her life to Layman Distributing and left a growing legacy that has continued for four generations. 

Even though Juanita enjoyed much success in her career, her true joys were her children. Known by her family as Momma, Mumu, and G-G, she tirelessly loved, nurtured and supported each of them. Juanita was smart, honest and fair; a straight shooter both in her business career and personal life. She was appreciated for her sage advice and wisdom that she would provide just when her family, employees, and customers needed it most.

She is preceded in death by her loving mother Weda Ruth Sweeney Layman, dedicated father William Demetrius Layman, and infant brother Robert Carlton Layman. 

She is survived by her children Judy (Mickey) Ross, Janet (Harry) Surratt, and Jeri Jacobs (Fred); grandchildren Scott (Samantha) Thomasson, Justin (Hannah) Keen, Jordan (Bridget Brydges) Keen, Harrison (Jackie Travis) Surratt, Elizabeth (Michael) Holt, Hollyn (Justin) Brown, and Sarah (Graham Pratt) Surratt; great grandchildren Sydney Kate, Jackson, Sawyer, Grace, Julia, Ophelia, Gunner, Seraphine, and Asher.

Friends and family are invited to join as her life will be remembered and celebrated. A visitation will be held at Simpson Funeral Home 5160 Peters Creek Road Roanoke, VA on Friday, March 8, 2024 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., and the funeral service will be held on Saturday, March 9, 2024 at 11:30 a.m. at Simpson Funeral Home. Interment will be private.