Joan McKissick Death Obituary News – The Summerville community is reflecting on the life and legacy of Joan McKissick, a beloved figure who passed away peacefully on Thursday night at the age of 94. Her family shared the news on Friday, expressing both sadness over her loss and gratitude for the long, meaningful life she lived.
Joan was the wife of the late John McKissick, the legendary Summerville High School football coach whose career became one of the most celebrated in American sports. Their family confirmed that Joan died in her sleep, a gentle passing that brought comfort to those close to her. Her grandson, Joe Call, offered a heartfelt tribute, honoring her lasting impact on both their family and the town she called home.
In his statement, Call described his grandmother as the heart of the McKissick family and a cherished figure within the broader Summerville football community. He emphasized how much she meant to generations of players, parents, supporters, and friends connected to the program. According to Call, while she will be missed deeply, the family finds comfort in believing she has been reunited with her husband, whose influence on high school football remains unmatched.
Joan stood beside her husband throughout his extraordinary coaching career, one that stretched across decades and brought Summerville High School national recognition. John McKissick retired in 2015 after an unparalleled run, finishing with 620 wins — the most ever recorded by a football coach at any level of organized play. His commitment to his team, his school, and his community made him a local icon, and Joan was widely regarded as one of his greatest supporters and partners in life.
John passed away in 2019 at the age of 93. In the years that followed, Joan continued to be a quiet but powerful presence in Summerville, remembered fondly for her warmth, grace, and genuine care for the people around her. Many community members recall her as someone who always had a kind word, a welcoming smile, or a supportive gesture, especially during football seasons that brought together families from across the region.
Those who knew the McKissicks often speak of their deep connection to Summerville and the way their lives became intertwined with the history of the town’s athletic traditions. While John inspired countless students on the field, Joan was known for providing encouragement from the sidelines, supporting not only him but also the many young athletes who benefited from the couple’s dedication to their school and community.
In remembrance of Joan, friends and family are reflecting on the role she played in shaping the spirit of Summerville football. Her presence was felt at games, team events, community gatherings, and local celebrations over the years. Many described her as the quiet, steady force who helped support one of the most successful high school programs in the country.
Her family expressed their appreciation for the outpouring of condolences and kind messages from the community. They noted that Joan’s influence extended far beyond her family, touching individuals throughout Summerville who admired her commitment, compassion, and unwavering support for the town she loved.
As loved ones look back on Joan’s life, they are choosing to focus on the joy she brought to others and the enduring legacy she leaves behind. Her memory will continue to live on through her family, through the Summerville football community, and through the many people whose lives she touched over the years.
At this time, the family has not publicly shared plans for services or memorial events but expressed gratitude to everyone keeping them in their thoughts during this period of reflection and remembrance.
