Hillsborough, North Carolina — Joanna Marie George, 80, passed away on Saturday, January 2, 2021 at her home. She was born in Durham, the daughter of the late Charles Oral Huffer and Sarah Isenhour Huffer. Mrs. George is predeceased by her husband of 59 years, Dr. Rhett T. George, Jr.
Mrs. George worked at Duke University with the University Research Council. At Duke, she met Rhett and they married in 1961. Mrs. George retired from Wilmore Electronics as an Electronic Technician. Together with Rhett, she helped promote safe boating through the United States Power Squadron. She was very active in retirement as part of the Orange County Board of Elections, with the Orange County VITA Tax Program, and especially quilting. A lifelong artist, she worked in a variety of mediums over the years but fabric arts was her true passion. She was in the Cherry Creek Lane Quilters, in the Durham Orange Quilt Guild, and in the Tuesday Donations Quilts Group at the Passmore Center.
Mrs. George is survived by her son, Charles R. George (Dawn); sister, Susan Huffer Gay (Curtis); and grandchildren, Caitlin George Kalen (Alex) and Ashlee George.
The family would like to thank the many people who helped us and prayed for our family during this difficult time. We especially want to acknowledge the thoughtful, caring assistance provided from Mrs. George’s quilting friends, Visiting Angels of Carrboro, and staff of Duke HomeCare and Hospice.
A memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to McMannen United Methodist Church, 4102 Neal Road, Durham NC 27705. The family is being assisted by Clements Funeral & Cremation Services, Inc. in Durham. Online condolences may be sent to www.clementsfuneralservice.com.
Taken from The Herald Sun, January 10, 2021.
Joanna, KE4QOZ — In Appreciation
In January, the ham community lost the other half of the George duo, following Rhett’s (KE4HIH) passing by about half a month. Joanna and Rhett were among the most faithful attendees of our monthly club meetings. I met Joanna at DFMA meetings soon after I got my ticket in 1997. Joanna was first licensed in 1994, following Rhett by about a year. Joanna was active in the club in various ways. She served a period as DFMA secretary. She actively supported the club at the annual DurHamFests. In the last decade or so she managed the DFMA Club Table and tried to make sure that Rhett didn’t take home much more than he had brought. She and Rhett also hosted the DFMA’s annual Picnic for many years — often including access to their swimming pool (not to forget Rhett’s trains).
In addition, Joanna will be remembered for her many other activities. She was an avid quilter and had a room at home dedicated to her extra-large quilting frame. For years she worked with the Orange County Board of Elections as a precinct official — this did mean that Rhett often had to attend the November DFMA meeting alone. She and Rhett were very active in supporting the U.S. Power Squadron promoting safe boating. Joanna was also very active in VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) for low-income clients.
Joanna was an accomplished cook and hostess. In addition to the DFMA Picnic, she and Rhett annually hosted a Procrastinator’s Christmas Party in the new year. There were always many interesting guests. (Parking them on their steep hillside property was Rhett’s specialty.) However, Joanna’s coleslaw was eagerly anticipated at the annual Field Day activities.
But of course her other major interest was Rhett. They did many things together. They even had his-and-hers electric tractors — vintage GE Electraks employing 6V golf cart-style batteries. And they had fun: you will probably remember that during self-introductions at meetings, Joanna would give her base as “Hillsborough” while Rhett gave his as “Scarlett’s Ridge.”
73,
Dee, KU4GC
January 28, 2021