Celebrating a Remarkable Soul

It is with deep sorrow and profound gratitude for a life well-lived that we remember a truly

extraordinary individual. Juanita Diana Portee Rockingham, born February 11, 1953 in Camden,

South Carolina to the late Hollis Portee Sr. and Irene Kibler Portee, entered eternal rest on April

18, 2026, at her home surrounded by family.

Juanita was one of eleven children raised in a loving and faith-filled home that laid the foundation

for the life of service and compassion she would later exemplify as she sought to honor the Lord

in both word and deed. She grew up surrounded by her ten beloved siblings, three of whom—

Williarlis (Pete), Sim Seelow and Katie Bell Portee—preceded her in death.

Brought up in the rhythms of farm life, she spent her early days picking cotton, feeding hogs, and

tending to many other homestead chores. Sundays were devoted to church and each week, she

walked near a mile to get there alongside her mother and siblings. Juanita gave her life to Christ at

a very young age, and faith became a guiding force in her life from then on.

Juanita attended Hickman Elementary School in Cassatt, South Carolina and later graduated from

Jackson High School in Camden. Shortly after, she joined the US Army. Following twenty years

of service, Juanita retired as a Master Sergeant, earning Joint Service Commendation Medal/

Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National

Defense Service Medal with Bronze Star, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, and NCO

Professional Development Ribbons .

After moving to Maryland, Juanita joined Bright Light Baptist Church and served in several

ministries. It was there that she met and married her love, John “Rock" Rockingham. She later

joined New Dawn Baptist Church where she continued her faithful service as a female deacon

devoted to the life and mission of the church. Among other duties God called her to, she supported

the pastoral staff, prepared communion, cared for the congregation's spiritual and physical needs,

visited the sick, and embodied love in action.

Juanita had a joyful spirit and deep love for family and spending time together. She cherished

gatherings filled with laughter, good company, and good food. Whether playing card games

with her sister such as Phase 10, her favorite, or getting active playing softball and riding her

motorcycle, she embraced every moment. As a huge sports fan, she loved watching basketball,

baseball, and football and proudly cheered on her favorite team: the Dallas Cowboys. When she

wasn't playing games or watching sports, she found happiness in traveling and cooking, bringing

energy, warmth and love to every space she entered.

Her life, love, and legacy lives on through her husband John Rockingham; her loving son Corey

Devont'e Rockingham; her sisters: Mary Portee Stephens (Ben) in Tennessee, Ida Bell and Mamie

Portee, Ethel Portee Clyburn (Ike), and Bernice Portee Welch in South Carolina; her brothers:

Elliott R. and Little Hollis (Patsy) Portee in South Carolina; her grandchildren: Tyece Katie-Marie,

Corey “CJ" Devont'e Jr., Dion Devont'e and Taniya Marie Rockingham, and their mother Diamond

Marie Thaggard in Maryland.

She is lovingly remembered by her special niece, Markketta Teisha Portee, who was by her side

day and night through it all; her niece's children, Briana, Kayla and Diego Portee, whom she

also embraced as her grandchildren, filling their lives with unwavering love, guidance, and joy;

and she will be deeply missed by a host of nieces and nephews who affectionately knew her as

“Aunt Butter," along with cousins, extended family and dear friends who will cherish her memory

forever.

Her close friends Faye Caldwell, Doretha Jonson, and Barbara Johnson, who supported her

through thick and thin, along with Julia Bowman, her sister-in-law Juanita Graham, and her book

club members, were a constant source of love and support.

Juanita's legacy is one of faith, love and service to others. She leaves behind a powerful reminder

of what it means to live a life devoted to God, family, and community.