Joan F. Nabors

Joan Frances Nabors, age 85, of Morgantown, WV, passed away peacefully on April 15, 2021. She was born February 19, 1936, in Star City, WV.

Joan was preceded in death by her husband, James C. Nabors, her parents, Joseph John Baniak and Mary (Kalmar), five brothers, Eddie, Johnny, Edmund, Henry, and Andrew Baniak, five sisters, Margie Deem, Wanda Basinger, Phyllis Kostick, Carmella Urick, and Mary Ann Ruppert, and daughter in law, Jane Nabors.

Joan is survived by her three sons, Jim Nabors (Mary), Kevin Nabors, and Nathan Nabors (Debbie), two grandsons, Shane Nabors and Josh Nabors (Kelly), four granddaughters, Kelli Welgoss (Bill), Cassie Matthews (James), Tiffany Williams (Steve), and Heather Nabors (Donnie), and eight great-grandchildren, Calvin, Payton, Bronson, Kylie, Harper, Brooklyn, Sara, and Caleb. She is also survived by one brother, Joseph Baniak, of Morgantown, WV and sisters in law, Sierra Burnette (Ted), Darlene Baniak, and Helen Baniak, and brothers in law, Mike Ruppert and Bob Urick. She is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Joan was raised in the Morgantown area, where her parents emigrated from Poland. She grew up with eleven brothers and sisters in Star City. She married Jim in 1953 and they began their married life in Florida during Jim’s military service. Upon returning to Morgantown and eventually moving to Canyon Road, she worked in various glass factories. She retired after 35 years from Davis-Lynch Glass Co. as a decorator. She was known for hand-painting intricate flowers on glass vases and lamps that were shipped all over the world.

Joan enjoyed preparing food for her friends and family. She was known for her delicious cabbage rolls, stuffed peppers, pepperoni rolls, and graham cracker banana cakes. She loved gardening, painting, crafting, and classic country music. She was happiest when her home was filled with family and numerous close friends and enjoyed hosting cookouts and parties.

At the end of her life, Joan received exceptional care from Sierra Burnette, Betty Yoke, Andrea Shaffer, Billie Wiles, Sandy Burnette, and Misti Beal. With their love and support, Joan was able to stay in her home, as she wished, almost until her passing. The family wishes to express their gratitude to these extraordinary caregivers.

Visitation will be held from 1:00-3:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 18, 2021, at Fred L. Jenkins Funeral Home in Morgantown, WV. The funeral service will be held at 3:00 p.m. at the funeral home with her brother-in-law, Ted Burnette, officiating. Burial will follow at Zion Cemetery in Cheat Lake, WV.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association (Alz.org or 225 North Michigan Avenue, Floor 17, Chicago, IL 60601).