Joanne Pollitt, 76, of Morgantown, a loving mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend to many, passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 4, 2024, surrounded by her children and siblings.
Joanne was born on Jan. 12, 1948, in Morgantown, the daughter of the late Robert Francis and Marguerite Solly.
She grew up in Wiles Hill and graduated from Morgantown High School in 1965. From there, she went on to attend WVU and graduated from the Morgantown Business College.
Her first job was at the Columbian Dormitory, where she met and married Robert Pollitt. She moved to Charleston, where she worked for the WV State Parole Board until she left to raise her children. She returned to Morgantown in 1983 and spent the rest of her career at WVU, where she retired in 2018 as the dean’s office administrator with the WVU School of Physical Education. Her coworkers described her as someone who worked diligently to keep the dean’s office organized and running smoothly, all while bringing a smile and levity to every situation.
She was known for her creative and humorous storytelling abilities, generating a chuckle in any crowd. Her smile was infectious, and her personality lit up every room she entered. It’s these delightful qualities, along with her extreme kindness, that all who knew her will miss.
Her children and grandchildren were her life. She loved spending time with family, including the dogs. Her pastimes included being a late-night chauffeur to many, finding the best chocolate and driving through Dairy Queen. She was also known for her investigative skills.
Joanne is survived by her son and his wife, Rob and Michelle Pollitt, of Charlotte, N.C.; her daughter Traci and her husband Mac Francis; and grandsons, Trey and Charlie Francis, of Spartanburg, S.C.; brother, Bob Solly (Barb); sisters Mary Jeanne (Steve) Kellogg and Doreen (Jim) Price. She was deeply loved by her many nieces and nephews and will be missed by all the family fur babies.
The family would like to thank the caring nurses at the Neuro ICU at Ruby Memorial, especially Seth, for their outstanding care and support.
Friends and family will be received at St. Mary Roman Catholic Church, 3346 University Ave., Star City, WV 26505, from 4-7 p.m. on Monday, April 8. The evening visit will conclude with a Scriptural Wake Service at 7 p.m. with Father John McDonough officiating. Visitation will continue at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of the Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m., on Tuesday, April 9 with Father Joseph Abraham as celebrant and Father John V. DiBacco as homilist. Entombment will follow at St. Mary Peace Garden Mausoleum.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her honor to St. Ursula Food Pantry & Outreach, 87 Pursglove Road, Pursglove, WV 26546.
Hastings Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements.
Condolences:
hastingsfuneralhome.com
