On August 11, 2020, Joann Carol Keller Uchic was called home by her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. She was born on March 1, 1942, in Pierce, WV, the daughter of the late John Keller and Goldie Caroline (Metz) Keller.
Joann is survived by her loving husband of 58 years, Richard “Dick” Uchic, two brothers, John Keller Jr. and wife Sue, of Big Spring, TX and William “Bill” Fenton Metz of College Park, MD. Also surviving are one daughter, Pamela Lynn (Uchic) Sayer and husband Brian of Stafford, VA, one son, Michael Allen Uchic of Walkertown, NC, one grandson, Bryce Alan Clarke and wife Christy of Powhatan, VA, one granddaughter, Payton Caroline Clarke of Thomas, WV, one great-grandson, Grayson Reid Clarke of Powhatan, VA, and several cousins.
Joann attended elementary school in Pierce, WV, and grade school in Thomas, WV. She graduated from Mountaineer High School in Thomas, WV in 1960. Upon graduation, Joann moved to Washington, D.C., where she worked for the C&P Telephone Co. as a teletype operator. She later worked for George Washington University and NASD in D.C.
On June 20, 1964, Joann married Dick Uchic and they started their life together in Oxon Hill, MD. In 1974, they moved from Potomac Heights, MD to Sterling, VA where they raised their family for the next 40 years. During those years, Joann worked as a receptionist at the National Wildlife Federation, Tycon Construction Co., Mannekin Corp. and Telos Corp., all in Northern VA. Joann and Dick both retired from Telos Corp. in 2008 and moved to Dick’s family home in Thomas, WV.
Joann was a brave and proud breast cancer survivor. Some of her favorite activities were singing in the church choir, dancing the Jitterbug, shopping for clothes and jewelry, reading her daily devotionals and Bible, and going on walks. Her warmth and kindness were always evident and she was admired for her sense of style. Her greatest joy came from spending time with her children and grandchildren. The most important thing in her life was her relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. She was gifted with encouragement and graciously used that gift to bring joy to others through cards, cakes, visits to the Nursing Home, and most of all, her beautiful smile.
Friends were received at Hinkle-Fenner Funeral Home on Friday, August 14, 2020 from 4– 8 p.m.. Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, August 15, 2020 at Hinkle-Fenner Funeral Home conducted by Rev. John Callaway. Interment followed in the Rose Hill Cemetery, Thomas, WV. We kindly asked those in attendance to wear a mask and follow social distancing guidelines. Hinkle-Fenner Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements. Condolences may be made to the family at www.hinklefennerfuneralhome.com
