Julia Belle Hathaway Zay Thorn, of McMurray, Pa., died at St. Clair Hospital in Pittsburgh on March 15, 2024.
She was born in Manheim, W.Va., a daughter of the late Glenn and Arlene Hathaway.
She was also proceeded in death by her husband, James Eugene Thorn; her sister, Glenda Gray; and her brother, Allan Hathaway. She is survived by her son, Scott Robert Zay, of Charlotte, N.C., and a brother, Brandt Hathaway and wife, Nok.
Julia was a graduate of Rowlesburg WV High School, Potomac State College, Fairmont State College and West Virginia University. She began her teaching career at Morgantown High School in 1965 and continued there until her retirement in 1999. She taught secretarial classes and developed and taught the first integrated computer applications classes at MHS. She was particularly proud of her students in the Vocational Office Training Program, which she conducted from 1967-78.
She was a member of the WV 4-H All Stars and Harmony Rebekah Lodge. She enjoyed genealogy, flower gardening, woodworking and creating stained glass windows.
Julia’s wishes were honored through her being a donor to the Human Gift Registry. A later, private internment will take place next to her husband in Beverly Hills Memorial Gardens in Westover, Pa.
