Joline Hope Damron

Joline “Jo” Damron (born Joline Hope Coleman) of Bluefield, WV formally of Welch WV passed away on Saturday, October 24, 2020 in Altamonte Springs, FL. She was born at Caretta, West Virginia on July 10, 1928. Her parents were Ruth (Fine) and Charles Coleman.

Jo was second youngest of five siblings and was predeceased by her sisters, Naomi Everett and Frances Adams and brothers David Coleman and Raymond (Pete) Coleman. She grew up and attended school in War, WV and graduated from Big Creek High School; she continued her studies at Concord College. 

Jo married Albert Eugene “Gene” Damron on July 2, 1953 and set up housekeeping in Welch, WV. They were married for 58 years when he passed in 2011. Jo and Gene lived in Welch for 51 years before moving to Bluefield WV. She later moved to Florida where her daughter lives. 

Her son Gene Patrick (Pat) Damron and wife Beverly live in Bluefield VA and her daughter Jane Damron resides in Maitland FL.

Jo loved her grandchildren and enjoyed every moment of her time with them. Her greatest gifts of family togetherness, good food and learning were passed on to her six grandchildren, Kelly, Joanna, Carter, Aron, Rebecca and Adrienne. She also was a great grandmother and took pleasure in her nine great grandchildren. 

Jo was an active member of the Welch community. She and Gene were members and servants of the First Baptist Church of Welch. Jo’s many volunteer organizations included PTA, Boy and Girl Scouts, Literacy for America and the Red Cross where she earned her 30 year service pin. Jo and Gene were founding members of the Tug Twirlers square dance group and she also enjoyed attending her painting class taught by Loretta Wyatt for 25+ years. 

Jo was a voracious reader, crossword enthusiast, and loved to learn new things and have new experiences. She and her husband traveled extensively all over the United States, focusing on reaching every single state and touring every US Military Academy. Jo remained very active in the lives of her children and grandchildren and still made it her mission to show love and stay connected.

Besides her children and grandchildren she is survived by many nieces and nephews whom she dearly loved. 

A private service will be held graveside on Thursday officiated by pastor and family friend, Alan Ashworth.

Those wishing to honor Jo’s memory are asked to consider giving a donation to the Five Loaves and Two Fishes Food Bank at www.fiveloavestwofishes.com or 171 Riverside Dr. Welch, WV 24801 in lieu of flowers.