JoAnn McComas

JoAnn McComas, 90, of Beaufort, passed away on Saturday, January 24, 2026, at Carteret Health Care in Morehead City.

A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Beaufort, N.C. 

Born in Pike County, Kentucky, a proud Hatfield grew up near Blackberry Creek. A survivor of childhood polio helped shape her into a strong and resilient person. She excelled in school and had dreams of becoming a Home Economics teacher. After graduating Belfry High School she moved to Huntington, West Virginia to attend business school. 

She married William P. McComas in 1956, and began life as a supportive wife of a Methodist minister. She was a proud Mama to two children, her son, Jon, and daughter, Missy. She graduated from Marshall University with a degree in Home Economics Education. The family moved to Carteret County in 1979. JoAnn taught Home Economics classes at Beaufort Middle School for more than 20 years. She was a well-loved teacher to many who enjoyed learning to cook and sew. After retiring she became “the Story Lady” reading to many students at Bogue Sound Elementary in her daughter’s Kindergarten class.

She was an avid reader, loved to ride her bike, swim in water aerobics classes, and attend St. Paul’s Episcopal Church services, but most of all, she enjoyed time with her family.

She is survived by her daughter, Melissa M. Bailey; son-in-law, Bill Bailey of Beaufort; and granddaughter, Sara Jo Bailey of New York City; sister, Barbara Mounts; nieces and nephews: Tim, Bruce, Elen, Amy, and Matthew; and many great nephews.

JoAnn was preceded in death by her father, Emerson Hatfield; her mother, Gardner Wallen; husband, Tivis Wallen; brother, Dr. William E. Hatfield; son, Jonathan W. McComas and husband William P. McComas.

Condolences and life tributes may be sent to the family at www.noebrooks.net

Arrangements by Noe-Brooks Funeral Home & Crematory of Morehead City, NC.