Mrs. Joan Wharton Savage, 85, of Eastville, passed away peacefully on Dec. 14, 2025, with her family by her side.
She was born on May 11, 1940, to John Charles Wharton and Ruth Calloway Wharton. She lived in St. Michaels, Md., until she was in the fourth grade, when her family moved to Salisbury, Md. Upon graduation from Wicomico High School, Joan went to work as a secretary in a law office. Looking for a bigger adventure, she left Salisbury and headed to Washington, D.C., where she worked as a secretary for the FBI.
Upon returning to Salisbury, Joan met her husband, Ellie B. Savage, on a blind date. They were married on Jan. 17, 1962. They moved to an apartment at Park Hall in Eastville and ultimately moved to Smith Beach, where they lived for 60 years.
Joan was a skilled secretary and retired after working in the County Administrator’s office in Northampton County for 30 years. Joan grew up loving music, movies, and Broadway. She was a wonderful singer and excelled at singing standards and show tunes. She accompanied herself beautifully on piano, though it was hard to get her to acknowledge her own talent. In her youth, she participated in local shows and sang with a dance band.
Most importantly, she was a devoted wife and a wonderful mother. She made her love known to her family every day that she was alive, and for that they are forever grateful.
Joan was predeceased by her parents.
She is survived by her husband of 63 years, Ellie B. Savage; her daughter, Julie Coleman, of Richmond; her son-in-law, Frank; and her granddaughter, Grace.
A memorial service will be held at a later time. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the ASPCA or the charity of your choice.
Family and friends may sign the guest book at www.hollandfuneralhome.net
Arrangements made by the Holland Funeral Home in Nassawadox.
