Joanne W. McCarthy

JoAnne Whitehurst McCarthy of Virginia Beach Virginia, passed away peacefully on February 7, 2026 at the age of 87. She was born on October 10, 1938 to Nina and James Whitehurst in Norfolk, Virginia. She graduated from Maury High School then married her sweetheart Frederick Alexander McCarthy II on June 27 1959 and together they shared 40 wonderful years and raised 3 children. JoAnne enjoyed watching children at her church daycare and at her home. She also enjoyed spending time in the outdoors and always had pets in her home. She was known for her strong faith in Christ.

She is predeceased by her parents, Nina Sherwood Whitehurst and James Thomas Whitehurst; her husband, Frederick Alexander McCarthy II; her sister, Dorothea Cary; and her great-grandchild, Sonja Snyder.

She is survived by her children, Lesa Cupit and husband Dennis Cupit, Frederick McCarthy, III and wife Tammy McCarthy, Maxanne Davis and husband Michael Davis; her grandchildren, Amanda Fisher, Kirkland Fisher, Christopher Fisher, Robert Thompson, Timothy Lawrence, and Joseph McCarthy; her great-grandchildren, Miranda Morris-Santos, Alexis Fischman, Logan Fisher, and Leona Cupit; and her great-great grandchildren, Iris Santos and Violeta Santos.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Wednesday, February 11, 2026 at Rosewood Kellum Funeral Home. Celebration of Life is scheduled at the same venue on February 12, 2026, at 2:00 pm. The graveside service will follow at Rosewood Memorial Park.