Junia Lee Warthen

Junia Lee (Byers) Warthen, of Emmitsburg, Maryland, died on Friday, October 11, 2024, at Autumn Lake Healthcare at Ballenger Creek in Frederick, Maryland. Born June 2, 1940, in Waynesboro, Pennsylvania, she was the daughter of the late Percy Gehr Byers and Pauline (Kauffman) Byers. She was the loving and devoted wife of 55 years to William (Bill) A. Warthen, Sr., who passed away on November 21, 2019. Junia had a strong love for reading and often frequented the Emmitsburg Library. Additionally, she enjoyed cooking and gardening with her late husband. Junia was an active part of her family’s life, including spending time with her three granddaughters. 

Junia is survived by her sister, Nancy Paxton (Byers) of Chambersburg, Pennsylvania; half-brother, Percy Byers, Jr.; four children, Kimberly Beckett of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, William A. Warthen, Jr. of New Vienna, Ohio, Michael Gehr Warthen of Emmitsburg, and Barry Joseph Warthen and wife Lynda of Frederick; granddaughters, Kaylee Warthen of Orlando, Florida, Hannah Beckett, of Fairfield, Pennsylvania, and Jillian Warthen.

Junia was predeceased by her husband, William (Bill) Warthen Sr. 

A viewing will be held on Monday, October 21st from 5pm to 7pm. A service led by the family will follow at 7pm that evening at Myers~Durboraw Funeral Home 210 W. Main St., Emmitsburg, Maryland. A private burial will follow at a later date and a celebration of life will be held in the coming weeks. Flowers may be sent to the funeral home, or in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.