JoAnne Phillips Pratt

It is with heavy hearts, we announce the passing of JoAnne Pratt on October 16, 2025. Though we mourn the loss of a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, teacher, and friend, we find comfort in knowing her spirit lives on in the countless lives she touched. The lessons she taught, the love she gave, and the memories we shared will remain cherished in our hearts forever.

JoAnne was born in Salisbury, Maryland, on April 4, 1939, to Richard W. Phillips and Frances Brewington Phillips. A gifted student from the beginning, she graduated from Wicomico High School in 1957 as co-valedictorian and editor of the yearbook. She went on to attend the University of Delaware, where she earned a B.A. in Mathematics with honors in just three and a half years. She was elected to Phi Beta Kappa and other prestigious academic honor societies, graduating in 1961.

JoAnne began her career teaching math at John Dickinson High School in Wilmington, Delaware. After a year and a half, she accepted a position at the DuPont Company as a computer programmer in the Engineering Research Department—an early pioneer in a field few women entered at the time. A few years later, she stepped away from corporate life to focus on her growing family.

In 1970, JoAnne returned to her hometown of Salisbury with her two daughters and began teaching at Bennett Middle School. In 1975, she joined the faculty at James M. Bennett High School, where she would teach math for the next 26 years. She earned her M.Ed. from Salisbury University and taught part-time at SU from 1982 to 1995, continuing to inspire students at every level.

JoAnne’s contributions to math education were significant and lasting. She founded the Wicomico County Math League in 1977–78, giving local students the opportunity to compete in mathematics at a high level. She also established the JMB chapter of Mu Alpha Theta, the national math honor society, and spearheaded the launch of the Advanced Placement Calculus program at JMB. Named department chair in 1983, she held that role until her retirement in 2001. In 1989, after being a finalist multiple times, JoAnne was honored as Wicomico County's Secondary Teacher of the Year.

Even after retirement, JoAnne remained passionate about teaching, tutoring students for many years. She also enjoyed raising and showing German Shepherds and was an active member of the Salisbury Kennel Club and the German Shepherd Dog Club of America. A committed community member, she was part of the Maryland Retired Teachers Association and a Lifesaver with the Blood Bank of Delmarva, donating many gallons of blood over her lifetime.

JoAnne is survived by her daughters, Laura Donoway of Parsonsburg and Georgianne Hicks of Salisbury; her grandchildren, Anthony, Allison, and Alex Donoway, and Mark and Matthew Hicks (Lorraine); and her great-grandchildren, Adalyn and Ashtyn Donoway. She is also survived by her sister, Patricia Ellis, and brother-in-law, Hon. B. Craig Ellis of Laurinburg, North Carolina; nieces Jennifer and Elizabeth; and three great-nieces.

In accordance with her wishes, there will be no formal service following her cremation. However, friends and loved ones are invited to share memories of JoAnne on www.boundsfuneralhome.com