JoAnne Wingate Nabb

JoAnne Wingate Nabb passed on, to be with our Lord, surrounded by family and loved ones, on July 17, 2025. She was born to William “Bill” Irving Wingate and Joan Patricia Marshall Wingate on July 24, 1953, in Cambridge, Maryland. JoAnne was married to George Baggs Nabb, III on July 30, 1988, until his death in 2007.

The oldest of three children, JoAnne was raised in Hudson with her brothers, Marshall and Stephen “Steve” Wingate. Around the age of eleven, she helped on the family chicken farm. JoAnne loved taking care of the twenty-one stray cats that roamed the farm, of which she had a name for each one. She graduated Cambridge High School in 1971 and then pursued various careers in the restaurant business and secretarial services.

One of the things JoAnne loved the most was her time spent living and working in Ft. Lauderdale Florida, while married to Butch Cox. During this time in Florida, JoAnne enjoyed working on sport fishing boats as a yacht hostess. She had many stories to tell of fishing, snorkeling, traveling, and exploring new places. Throughout the years, she kept sharing tales of these unforgettable adventures with her family and friends.

After returning to Cambridge in the mid-1980s, JoAnne began a career in medical administration. Throughout her years of service with the State of Maryland, she was warmly remembered by many for her kind demeanor and welcoming smile in the various roles she held. One of her most favorable positions was working in the Wellness Center at Cambridge-South Dorchester and North Dorchester High Schools, where she was a friendly and welcoming presence to students and staff alike. Always ready with a warm smile and a listening ear, she made everyone feel seen, heard, and cared for. Whether offering guidance, a comforting word, or simply a moment of kindness, she was a steady source of support for anyone in need. Her genuine compassion and willingness to help left a lasting impact on all who had the pleasure of knowing her.

Another of JoAnne’s most enjoyable things to do was to attend the Women of Faith events at various locations with beloved friends in faith. A woman of deep compassion for others and for her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, she loved to hear empowering speeches and music from various Christian artists. These gatherings nourished her spirit and strengthened the bonds she shared with her sisters in faith. Her quiet strength, unwavering belief, and joyful presence were an inspiration to those around her. JoAnne lived her faith not only in worship but in the way she treated others--with grace, kindness, and a servant’s heart.

Though JoAnne did not have biological children of her own, she lovingly embraced her bonus children and grandchildren as if they were hers. She showered them with affection, thoughtful gifts, and unwavering support, always making each one feel truly special. Her generous heart and nurturing spirit left a lasting impact on all who were blessed to be part of her extended family.

JoAnne is survived by her brother, Marshall Brian Wingate, and sister-in-law, Lisa Wingate; her uncle, David Marshall, and his wife, Shirley; and her cousins, David Marshall and his wife, Scottie, and Timmy Marshall and his wife, Opie. She is also survived by her nephew, Brandon Logan Wingate, and his wife, Jennifer; her niece, Meghan Wingate Stivers, and her husband, Eric; and her beloved great-nieces and nephews: Tillor, Rhett, and Emilia Wingate, and Jacob, Kinsley, and Brynlee Stivers.

In addition, JoAnne is survived by her stepchildren: Bryan Nabb, Scott Nabb and David Nabb and his wife, Wendy. Her step-grandchildren include Bryan Nabb Jr. and his wife, Katlyn; Jenalee Castells and husband Nelson, Hunter Nabb, Andrea Bell and partner Andrew Tolley; Maggie Jo Holecheck and fiancé Seth Illian; Carter Nabb; Andrew Nabb and daughter, Marlea. She is also lovingly remembered by her step-great-granddaughters, River and Arya, as well as eight other step-great grandchildren.

Besides her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her youngest brother, Steve.

JoAnne will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. Her legacy of kindness, faith, and unconditional love will continue to live on in the hearts of those she touched.

In lieu of flowers, the family would like donations made to Spedden United Methodist Church and the Neck District Fire Company.

There will be a Celebration of Life on August 23rd at 11:00am at Spedden United Methodist Church with food and fellowship to follow to reminisce and celebrate JoAnne.