Joann Plants Sommer

Jo Ann Plants Sommer, 93, of Point Pleasant, passed away quietly Wednesday, January 31, 2024, at Pleasant Valley Healthcare in Point Pleasant.

She was born May 28, 1930, in Point Pleasant to Virgil A. and Anna Casto Plants.

In addition to her parents, Jo Ann was preceded in death by her husband, G. C. “Pete” Sommer; daughter, Pamela Kay Simpkins; and a brother, Virgil Levi Plants.

She is survived by her children, Georgianna Sommer Tillis, Julie (Keith) Bibbee and G. C. “Pete” (Laura) Sommer II;  grandchildren Kayla Simpkins, Dr. Charlotte (John) Vellenoweth, Jess (Dr. Laura Talamo) Bibbee , Anna Sommer, Emily Rossignol and John David Sommer; eight great grandchildren; sisters-in-laws, Beverly Plants, Anna Belle (Peter John) Suerken and Ruth Ellen Sommer; and several loved nieces and nephews.

Jo Ann and Charles “Pete” raised their four children on Remmos Dairy Farm in Southside, WV. They attended and were members of Harmony Baptist Church in Southside. They were very involved in community service and their children’s activities.

Jo Ann served on the Southern States Board in the early 1950’s, attending a regional meeting in Richmond, VA.  She was a member of the Beech Hill School PTA 1959-1971, serving as PTA President on both the school and Mason County level. She was a member of the Ann Bailey and Pioneer Farm Womens’ Clubs, Point Pleasant Junior Woman’s Club and the Pilot Club.

Jo Ann was active with the American Legion Unit 23 Auxiliary, serving as President of the Local Unit and 4th District. She was also Vice President of the LOOM 731 Women of the Moose, and a Mason County 4-H Leader for 32 years active with the Hop-To-It Club, 4-H Camp and the Mason County Fair Dairy Show.

The family requests in lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to the American Legion Unit 23 Auxiliary, P.O. Box 573, Point Pleasant, WV 25550.

A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, February 3, 2024, at the Wilcoxen Funeral Home in Point Pleasant, with Pastor Claire Cottrill officiating.  Burial will follow at Suncrest Cemetery in Point Pleasant.  Visitation will be held one hour prior to the funeral service Saturday at the funeral home.

Condolences may be expressed to the family and memories may be shared by visiting www.wilcoxenfuneralhome.com.