Jo Ann Foreman Sundstrom , 88, of Oak Hill, WV, was called to heaven on Tuesday, August 22, 2017 at Bowers Hospice House in Beckley, WV.
Born in Clay County, she was the youngest of seven daughters of the late Charles Wesley and Julia Estep Foreman.
Jo Ann was a graduate of Clay County High School Class of 1945 and Glenville State College Class of 1949, where she obtained her degree in education and graduated cum laude. While at Glenville, she was elected student body president and chosen as homecoming queen. She later obtained her Master’s degree in Speech Communication from West Virginia University. Her teaching career began in Nicholas County and she proceeded to work over 30 years in the Fayette County school system as a Language Arts, Social Studies and French teacher at Collins Jr. High School and Collins Middle School. In 1987 she was honored as the first Fayette County Teacher of the Year.
Following her retirement, she became an active member of the Fayette Study Club and for several years served as the pronouncer at the Fayette County Spelling Bee. Jo Ann enjoyed singing and music. She sang in the West Virginia Tech Community Chorus and Fayette Community Chorus. Once she retired, she decided to take piano lessons and thoroughly enjoyed this challenge. Her love of travel led her to coordinate a number of trips for students and friends to Canada and Europe. She was never without a good book or satisfied leaving a crossword puzzle unfinished. Her other interests included a vigorous morning walk, cooking and tending to her flowers. Most importantly, she was a devoted wife and mother, generous mother-in-law and loving grandmother.
A long time member of the Oak Hill United Methodist Church, Jo Ann served in various capacities. She taught Vacation Bible School, was a member of the United Methodist Women, and later enjoyed teaching the women’s Sunday School class, just to name a few of her roles. She especially loved her 50 plus years of membership in the chancel choir. Jo Ann was routinely asked to sing a solo for church service, wedding or funeral, and was always happy to do so.
The family would like to express their deepest appreciation to Jo Ann’s devoted caregivers for their loving care and kindness, in particular, Bev Burnette and Barbara Brown who have been with her the past three years.
She was predeceased by her parents, husband of 63 years, Vincent Curtis Sundstrom and six sisters, Olive Shelton Gulland, Blanche Rucker, Marjorie Vorholt, Francies Marks, Madeline Samples and Betty Paxton..
Surviving are her two sons, Phillip and Mark and their wives, Sarah and Cyndy and her two granddaughters, Angela (and fiance, Isaac Mootz) and Emily all of Fayetteville; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
In keeping with her wishes, Jo Ann was cremated. A memorial service was held on Saturday, September 2, 2017, at Oak Hill United Methodist Church with Dr. Charles Miller, Dr. Sharon Miller and Rev. William Slates officiating.
The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Oak Hill United Methodist Church, 250 East Main Street, Oak Hill WV 25901; Bowers Hospice House, 454 Cranberry Drive, Beckley WV 25801; or a charity of choice.
Online condolences may be sent at www.tyreefuneralhome.com. Arrangements by Tyree Funeral Home, Oak Hill, WV
