Mrs. Joanne Pruitt Miles, of Pocomoke City, left this earthly world on Sunday, Feb. 18, 2024, having graced all with her vivacious spirit for 84 years, 8 months, and 11 days.
Born June 7, 1939, in Stockton, Md., and raised in Greenbackville, she was the daughter of the late James Tull Pruitt and the late Anna “Lucille” Pilchard Pruitt. As the eldest of five children, Joanne’s role as “big sister” came with the responsibility of helping her parents with her younger siblings. She learned early on the importance of holding her ground while fostering a loving and nurturing environment — lessons that came in handy with the birth of her first child at the age of 15.
Joanne was determined to do it all. She knew being her own boss would allow her the flexibility to support her family on all fronts, so she put herself through cosmetology school. Soon after she completed the program, Joanne’s Beauty Shop was up and running, a business she successfully owned and operated for decades. Though times were not always easy, you’d never witness Joanne have an ounce of self-pity or helplessness, only fortitude, perseverance, and a beautiful stubbornness.
She was fiercely protective of her family, to all of whom she gave her endless love — not the mushy kind — rather a stern, witty love. You never had to second guess how much you meant to her, but you knew her word was the final word whether you liked it or not. When in doubt of how she might react, it was best to be prepared with at least one of her favorites, Pepsi and Tastykakes, to soften the blow.
Infamous for her one-liners, Joanne’s comedic sarcasm was unrivaled. Some family favorites include: “If I tell you that chicken will pull a car, hook ‘em up,” “I spise it to my sight,” “Run mad and bite myself,” “He’s my horse if he’s never won a race.”
She could never resist a scratch-off or a day at the slots, though she vowed never to return many times. … We all know how that went (Exhibit A: obituary picture).
The holidays were especially joyous for Joanne, as she knew she’d be surrounded by everyone she loved. Her home was open to any and all on Christmas Eve, and she was never without a gift for each person who walked through the door.
Joanne shared all she had and everything she was with those she loved. She shared what matters — what can’t be bought or sold or lost or destroyed — loyalty, sincerity, integrity, and humor.
In addition to her parents, Joanne was predeceased by her husband of 44 years, Kenneth Wayne Miles; daughter, Cheryl Troast; and brothers, James E. “Jim” Pruitt and wife, Jean, and Hal Craig “Inky” Pruitt.
She is survived by her children, Rick Matthews and his wife, Laura Kerbin, of Onancock, Donnie Matthews and his wife, Lynn, of Chincoteague Island, Lisa Duncan, of Pocomoke City, Kent Miles and his wife, Betsy, of Texas, and Kurt Miles of Pocomoke City; brother, Bert Pruitt and his wife, Vivian, of Girdletree, Md.; sister, Lucien Pruitt, of Greenbackville; grandchildren, Kelsey Crossley (Kyle), Haley Matthews (Melanie), Harper Matthews, Aaron Matthews (Rhonda), Benjamin Troast (Kim), Tyler and Conner Duncan, Sarah Blevins (Randy), and Mary Miles (Matt); great-grandchildren, Todd, Lillie, Aaden, and Luke; and several nieces and nephews and their families.
Joanne was especially grateful for her caregivers, Kimmy and Donald Bevers, Miss Addie Revel, Coastal Hospice, and her nurse aide, Amy. Most importantly, she was blessed to have the unwavering companionship and care of her lifelong best friend and sister, Lucien, and her loving daughter, Lisa.
Family and friends are invited to a service in celebration of Joanne’s life at the Atlantic Fire & Rescue Company on Saturday, March 2, 2024, at 2 p.m.
Contributions in Joanne’s memory may be made to the Eastern Shore SPCA, P.O. Box 164, Onley, VA 23418, or if you’re feeling lucky, buy a scratch- off and donate the winnings to your favorite charity.
Memory tributes may be shared with the family at
www.williamsfuneralhomes.com
Arrangements are by the Williams-Parksley Funeral Home.
