Juanita Margaret Davis Russ, 94, died Aug. 14, 2026, at her home.

She was born March 21, 1932, in Augusta County to Allie Marie Birckhead and George Lemuel Davis.

Nita, after graduating from high school, completed cosmetology school in Waynesboro.   Mrs. Harner was her mentor in the business where she gained valuable experience, benefiting from her mentorship and employment.   During this time, Nita met Clinton C. Russ, her soon-to-be husband, who was enlisted in the United States Navy and shortly thereafter stationed in Boston.  They were married and lived in Boston during his enlistment and service aboard the USS Norfolk.  After his honorable discharge, they came to Buena Vista and lived at the old Updike’s pond property in the center of Buena Vista, which was Clinton’s extended family’s residence.  Here Clinton began working for Herman Decker at his barbershop in downtown Buena Vista.  After several years, he established Russ’s Hairstyling on Magnolia Avenue in the city.   Their only son, Kurt C. Russ, was born June 2, 1956, and a few years later they moved to Enderly Heights and continued residence there until her death at home on Aug. 14 under the wonderful, compassionate care of the local ConnectionsPlus Healthcare + Hospice organization and her family doctor, William McClung. Coincidently, the Aug. 14 date was not only the date of Clinton’s birth but their anniversary day as well.  We like to think she went to celebrate a life well-lived with him in heaven!

Nita is survived by her devoted and loving son Kurt C. Russ and his wife Linda Anderson Russ of Rockbridge County who were caregivers for her during the ups and downs of her struggle with Alzheimer’s disease. She is also survived by her loving brother, Henry Davis and wife Margaret who live in Appomattox, as well as a large group of nieces and nephews ‒ who reside in Buena Vista, Richmond, Roanoke as well as in Florida and Texas ‒ with whom she shared great affection.

Harrison’s Funeral Home and Crematory is handling the arrangements with private interment at Rockbridge MemorialGardens alongside her husband Clinton C. Russ and mother Allie B. Davis. A memorial service with special friends and family will be scheduled for a later time.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to either the local ConnectionsPlus Healthcare + Hospice Organization, 315 Myers Street, Lexington, VA 24450, (540) 463-1848, who provided loving compassionate professional end of life care for her at her residence or to the Buena Vista Baptist Church, 2174 Chestnut Ave., Buena Vista, VA 24416, (540) 261-2516 where she and her family were life-long members.