Obituary for Dorothy Joan (Sturgill) McNally
Dorothy Joan (Sturgill) McNally passed away Tuesday, January 22, 2019 at Commonwealth Assisted Living in Fairlawn, Va. She was two days shy of reaching her 88th birthday. She was born January 24th, 1931 in Kimball, West Virginia, to the late Walter and Clemmie Sturgill. She graduated from Bristol Virginia High School in 1947 and Radford College in 1951, and taught elementary school in Richmond and Pulaski for over 25 years. She was preceded in death by her sister, Jane George. Surviving family members include brother Byron Sturgill; husband of 68 years Robert McNally; son Stephen and daughter-in-law Debra Brunson McNally; daughter Valerie and son-in-law Jabe Monroe; granddaughter Amanda Monroe; two great grandchildren (Julian and Chloe), as well as several nieces and nephews.
While residing in Pulaski, Joan participated in various garden clubs and bridge clubs. Joan and husband Bob were active members of First United Methodist Church. Upon retirement, Joan and Bob moved to Mt. Dora, Florida in 1991. After moving back to Roanoke in 2001, they joined and were very active with Windsor Hills United Methodist Church.
Joan loved recreational activities such as gardening and golf, but she was also passionate about teaching young students and participating in church ministries. She always put family and friends above her own wishes. She was the embodiment of selflessness, kindness and an eternally positive spirit.
Funeral services will be held Sunday January 27 at 2:00 PM at the First United Methodist Church of Pulaski, Va. Family will receive friends from 1:00 until 2:00 prior to services at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contribution can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association (www.alz.org).
Arrangements are by Stevens Funeral Home, Pulaski, Va. (www.legacy.com/funeral-homes/virginia/pulaski/stevens-funeral-home/fh-10548)
January 24, 2019 @ 3:07 am
JOAN MCNALLY WAS GRACE AND POISE, WITH A MERRY HEART WHICH SHE SHARED WITH HER FAMILY, FRIENDS, AND HER STUDENTS..HER STUDENTS REMEMBER HER INTEREST IN THEM, AND HER ENCOURAGEMENT TO THEM, AFTER MANY YEARS…SHE LEAVES BIG FOOT STEPS…
January 11, 2020 @ 1:03 am
Mrs. Joan McNally embraced me at a very unsettled time in my life and convinced me of the hope of the future. Her classroom was sanctuary. She loved me as if I were her son. I had just transitioned out of segregation when my brother Keith drowned at Claytor Lake and my dad was beginning having serious health problems with his heart. I was on rollerskates. I would have to say that Mrs. McNally rescued me. I had the privilege after graduating from college of visiting her in her classroom and I asked her if she would mind if I hugged her. That was one of the more gratifying moments in my life.
She was grace with iron in her spirit. The world is better because of her . I love you Mrs. McNally ❤️