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Joan Geilfuss Mills

1927 - 2019

Joan Geilfuss Mills obituary, 1927-2019, Charleston, SC

FUNERAL HOME

J. Henry Stuhr Mount Pleasant Chapel

1494 Mathis Ferry Road

Mount Pleasant, South Carolina

Joan Mills Obituary

Joan Geilfuss Mills Mt. Pleasant - Joan Geilfuss Mills, 92, entered into eternal rest Wednesday, December 11, 2019. Joan was the daughter of Charles J. Geilfuss, Sr. and Marguerite Westbury Geilfuss. Her brother, Charles J. Geilfuss, Jr. MD., preceded her in death. She is survived by her nephew, Charles J. Geilfuss III, MD (Debbie), her nieces Gemma Grady and Justin Petersen, grandnephew Carl A. Geilfuss and grandnieces Lindsay Grady Workman (Steven), Jesse Grady, Alexandra Petersen, Anna Geilfuss and Jensy Geilfuss. Joan was a graduate of Bishop England High School (1944), the College of Charleston (1948) and Columbia University Master's Degree in Music (1957). Over the years, she taught and performed at Humboldt State University, Royal Winnipeg Ballet Company, and the University of Oklahoma. In 1975, Joan joined the faculty of Santa Monica College as head of the Piano Program and for eight years was Chairman of the Music Department. Joan retired from teaching at 80 and in 2005 returned to Charleston to be near her brother and other family. She gave her last piano performance for the residents of the Franke retirement community on her 88th birthday, entitled "88 on 88". There will be a private family ceremony and interment at Mount Pleasant Memorial Gardens. A memorial message may be sent to the family by visiting our website at www.jhenrystuhr.com. Visit our guestbook at www.legacy.com/obituaries/ charleston

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Charleston Post & Courier from Dec. 13 to Dec. 14, 2019.

Memories and Condolences
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5 Entries

Scott Smith

January 5, 2020

I knew Joan over several years when I taught at Santa Monica College during the time she was Chair of the Music Department there. She was a wonderful boss: fair, friendly, and supportive. I valued her very much as a colleague and friend. She is much missed by many.

Joanie Paulling

December 16, 2019

Charles, Gemma, and Justin,
My prayers are with you. What a beautiful lady she was. She is with your Mom/ Dad, and Vance.
Loves and Hugs,
Joanie

Don a Maria LaBrasca

December 15, 2019

Justin, Charles, and Gemma - I am so terribly saddened to read that Joan has passed away. I hold dear so many warm memories of her, in particular her patience in allowing me to quiz her on how she became a pianist and what it was like to be a music professor. She was a real light in the world, and I know that with both her and your lovely dad gone, there will be an irreplaceable energy in your lives. I am grateful, as I'm sure you are, to have known her. My heartfelt condolences to you all.

Helen Dolan

December 14, 2019

Joan with her brother, Charlie, were among my first friends when I moved to Franke. They were gracious and extremely helpful to me, something for which I am very grateful. Joan's musical talents were always a joy to all the residents. She was a lovely person who will be missed.

Jan Pesavento

December 14, 2019

Joan Geilfuss was my first piano teacher in the 1960's and her marvelous teaching has had an impact on my entire life. I have taught piano and organ for 50 years. Joan has been my role model throughout these years. My condolences to all her family. May it comfort you to know what a positive impact she has had on so many.

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Funeral services provided by:

J. Henry Stuhr Mount Pleasant Chapel

1494 Mathis Ferry Road, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464

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