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Joan Lee May Essig, 92, of Wheeling, WV, died Monday, July 13, 2026, at her home.
She was born April 16, 1934 in Wheeling WV, the third of three daughters to the late James and Mary (Mae) Moran May. Following her graduation from Wheeling High School class of 1951, she worked for the Overhead Door Company of Wheeling and Manufacturer's Light & Heat before venturing to New York City to work for Northwest Orient Airlines. She met her future husband Bill while in New York City and following their marriage, they settled in Fairfield, New Jersey to raise their two sons.
Joan returned to the Mountain State with her family, where they established Hidden Hollow Angus Farm in Belington, WV. There the family became active in the Barbour County community. Joan was a director of the Barbour County Fair Association. Joan led the Audra Roadrunners 4-H club for many years and was a member of the WV Extension Homemakers Club. She enjoyed gardening and crafting, becoming especially gifted in art of basketmaking. Throughout her life, Joan was an avid correspondent. Family and friends across the country were delighted to be the recipients of regular cards and letters.
Joan and her family were always active in church. In her childhood and as a young adult, she attended Saint Matthew's Episcopal Church in Wheeling and was a member of Saint Matthew's Episcopal sorority, Tau Delta Alpha. She continued to be active in her local Episcopal church wherever she lived; attending Saint Thomas in New York, NY, Saint Peters in Essex Fells, NJ, Grace Episcopal Church in Elkins, WV and Saint Matthew's again once she and Bill returned to Wheeling to be close to family and friends. The Peterkin Episcopal Camp and Conference Center in Romney WV was a "home away from home" for a week each summer as Joan and Bill enjoyed family camp with their grandchildren, developing many wonderful friendships with other families who participated in the annual event.
In addition to her parents, Joan was preceded in death by her husband Harold William "Bill" Essig; and sisters Nellie Stiles and Barbara Stevenson.
Surviving are two sons, Clifford William Essig and his wife Teresa of Williamstown, WV, and James Curtis "Curt" Essig and his wife, Jeanette of Reston, VA; four grandchildren, Rachael, Andrew, Danielle and Miranda, and three great-grandchildren and many beloved cousins, nieces and nephews.
She has donated her body to science via the Human Gift Registry at West Virginia University.
Friends are invited to attend a celebration of life at St. Matthew's Episcopal Church at 1410 Chapline St., Wheeling, WV on Saturday August 22, 2026, at 11 a.m. with a reception to follow.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to: Saint Matthew's Episcopal Food Pantry, PO Box 578, Wheeling, WV 26003