Obituaries

Joanne William Smith Holyfield, 86, of Clarksburg, WV, passed away on Sunday, November 9, 2025, at her residence.

She was born in Lumberport, WV, on February 28, 1939, a daughter of the late Millie Smith Rainer.

Mrs. Holyfield was preceded in death by her husband, Ernest Clyde Holyfield and her longtime companion, Donald William Hill.  Also preceding her in death was one son, Timothy Lee Holyfield; two grandsons, Xavier Holyfield, and Anthony Holyfield; and three brothers, Raymond Smith, John “Herbie” Smith, and Paul Rainer.

She is survived by five children, Anthony “Tony” Holyfield and wife Lisa of Clarksburg, Ernest “Wade” Holyfield of Clarksburg, Ernestine Lynn Barnett and husband Daryl of Lexington, KY, Donella Ann Hill of Clarksburg, and Dawnna Jo Hill of Dallas, TX; four grandchildren, Corina Pearl and husband Matthew, Elijah Barnett and wife Brianna, Marshay Bell, and Cortez Bell; and two great grandchildren, Aijah Marie Holyfield and Maxwell Lee Barnett.  She also leaves behind five siblings, Sylvia Allison of Canton, OH, Katherine Matthews of Kernersville, NC, Violet Herring and husband Roy of Verona, NJ, Janet Thomas and husband Danny of Jacksonville, FL, and Philip Rainer of Clarksburg; as well as several nieces and nephews.

Joanne attended Kelly Miller School and was part of the first integrated class to graduate from Washington Irving High School. She worked at Eagle Convex as a screen painter and inspector.  She formerly worked for Hazel Atlas and Walmart in the Bakery

Mrs. Holyfield was affectionately known as the “Pie Lady” for her delicious sweet potato pies. She loved to make big meals for her family and was an avid reader.  She was a former member of Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church.

Family and friends may call at the Amos Carvelli Funeral Home, 201Edison Street, Nutter Fort, on Sunday from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. where services will be held Monday November 17, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. with Reverend Michael Holyfield presiding.   Interment will follow in the Stonewall Park Cemetery.

Expressions of sympathy may be extended to the family at www.amoscarvelli.com  A service of Amos Carvelli Funeral Home.