BLUEFIELD, VA. — Josephine Ann Harman of 121 Crescent Street (Harmony Acres Lane), Bluefield, VA, passed away Thursday, April 13, 2023 at the age of 96. JoAnn, as she was so affectionately known by her family and friends, was born on September 13, 1926 at her parent's home in Bluefield, VA to the late Mr. and Mrs. Blaine W. Harman. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sisters Margaret Harman, Helen Harman Kidwell, Gail Ruth Williams, and brother Darrow O. Harman; brother-in-law Oaka H. Williams, Jr., and brother-in-law Robert W. Kidwell; and nephews and nieces Bobby, Barbara, Billie, and Craig (Kidwell).

She was an active and supportive citizen of the Town of Bluefield, VA and was of the Christian Science faith from 1947 to the time of her passing. She was the First Church of Christ Scientist, Bluefield, WV First Reader, Second Reader, Sunday School Teacher, and Usher. JoAnn, along with her sisters Margaret and Gail, operated the Christian Science Reading Room for many years on College Drive in Bluefield, WV.

JoAnn was a 1943 graduate of the old Graham High School located where Graham Intermediate is now located in Bluefield, VA. She helped organize every class reunion up to 2013 and stayed in contact with many of her classmates throughout most of her life. She graduated from the former McLains Business College of Bluefield, WV and was employed as an efficient secretary and clerk during her professional and business years. She was employed for a time by Mansure Textiles, the Chicago House, and the Newton Insurance Agency of Bluefield, VA. She worked for Norfolk and Western Railroad, Bluefield, WV Division and Roanoke, VA Division, and the Union Pacific Railroad of Tucson, AR. She retired from Norfolk and Western Railroad but remained a staunch follower of the railroad business and related activities throughout the United States.

Affectionately known to all of her nieces and nephews as Jo, she was a warm and caring soul who greeted everyone as a family member and with loving inspiration. Though her goodbyes were long, one always felt welcome when arriving at her home. She was an avid seamstress and reader and possessed a memory of facts and relativity that few could defy, especially in an argument or disagreement. Jo, though she had no children of her own and was never married, managed to help raise all of her nieces and nephews as if they were hers. She was aunt to Gary O. Williams and Valerie Williams of Bluefield, VA; John Kidwell of Columbia, SC; Brenda Kidwell of Gainesville, FL; Stephen Kidwell of West Memphis, AR; Brian Harman of Raleigh, NC; Barry Harman of Vinton, VA; Amanda Harman of Hilton Head, SC; and sister-in-law Irene Harman of North Tazewell, VA . She was a great aunt to Kellan Steckline of Great Bridge, VA; Lauren Overton of Great Bridge, VA; Travis Williams of Virginia Beach, VA; Britton Williams of Sanger, TX; Cameron Williams of Bluefield, VA; and Caitlin Williams of Woodstock, GA. She was great-great aunt to Aubrey and Berkley Steckline; Fisher, Sawyer, and Hollis Overton; Tanner and Dominic Williams; and Ethan, Devan, and Nolan Harman. JoAnn was forever grateful for her church colleagues - Elizabeth "Libby" Foley and Dr. Liz Roth; neighbors and friends – Diana and Natalie LaBrecht of Tucson, AR; and Wayne Gillespie, Greg Quesenberry, Barry and Jane Miller (wife), Teresa and Keith Janutolo, and Tammy Williams (wife of Gary), who kept a watchful eye out for JoAnn and her sister Gail at 122 and 121 Crescent Street of Bluefield, VA (home for nearly nine decades) in their vintage years of life.

In keeping with her wishes, JoAnn was cremated and no service or memorial will be held. The family is forever grateful to the dignity and care given to JoAnn in her final days by Deloris Bell - Christian Science Practitioner;; Tazewell Virginia Rescue Squad; the doctors, nurses, aides, and case management of Tazewell Community Hospital; the caregivers and nurses associated with Heritage Hall of Tazewell, VA; and the services of Dudley Memorial Mortuary. The family requests memorial contributions be sent to the Bluefield Union Mission of Bluefield, WV or the The Principle Foundation (10670 Barkley St., Oakland Park, KS 66212). Dudley Memorial Mortuary of Bluefield, VA is in charge of any final arrangements.