Miss Givens passes away

Jo Ann Givens, former Monongah High and Fairmont State English teacher, passed away Saturday, July 15.

Jo Ann Givens

Her obituary:

Ruth Joan Givens

November 20, 1928 - July 15, 2017

Joan (pronounced Jo Ann) was born and raised in Marion County by her parents, Merton Vinson and Ruth Alice (Neely) Givens.

She was predeceased by both her parents, her only sibling, Paula Jean (Givens) Basnett and her brother-in-law, Fred D. Basnett (formerly of Fairmont and Mannington, respectively).

She is survived by her nephew, Fred T. Basnett and his wife, Victoria, her niece Amy Jean (Basnett) Jordan and her husband, Robby Jordan, whom all reside in Florida, and dear friend Melodie Perry MacInnis (formerly of Fairmont, now residing in California), her husband Don and their two children.

Joan obtained her degrees from Fairmont State College and West Virginia University.

She enjoyed several years working at Westinghouse Electric in Ohio.

She then spent a life long career in education teaching English at Monongah High School and more than 30 years at Fairmont State University, having received Emeritus Faculty status.

Masters Funeral Home in Mannington is handling the arrangements. Viewing will be at 10 a.m. until noon Thursday with final interment immediately following at Mannington Memorial Park Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, her family would appreciate a donation to the American Cancer Society.