Joanna Beale Cumberland

Born on August 11, 1942, in Belmont, Ohio, Joanna Cumberland, aka, Jo, Sis, Aunt Sis, Great Aunt Sis, Gramma, and Mom passed peacefully in her sleep October 4, 2024, in Williamsburg, VA, at the age of 82, after succumbing to ALS. Fulfilling her wish, she had the opportunity to spend her last days with all four of her grandsons, who were the lights of her life.

But before that…in 1961, while in college, she met her husband David Carter (later named Cumberland), and together with their children, they pursued the artistic world of Opera from New York City (where she studied Psychology and Art at Columbia University) via San Francisco to West Germany. Upon returning to NYC in 1982, continuing her start in Public Relations from Germany, she eventually founded JB Cumberland PR, as an entrepreneur in a male-dominated industry, where she served as President, CEO, and owner. She was recognized as a mentor and role model for young women in the business world. She also succeeded in receiving several industry awards throughout her career. Throughout her life, she brought her natural creativity to everything she did, from presentations in the boardroom to drawings and paintings for her grandsons’ scavenger hunts. She was an enthusiast of fine foods, wine, and all things eloquent, although her favorite drink was Diet Coke. She was passionate about work, politics, family, supporting friends, gardening, the musical arts, and expressive with the word “phooey”. Her attitude was ‘Anything is possible, we just have to figure out how’.

Her ambitious spirit continued to the end, as she donated her body to ALS research and other medical advances.

She was preceded in death by her parents, James Percy and Dorris Marion Beale; and by her brothers, James Edward (Linda), Jeffrey Painter, and Jonathon Robert (Lola). She is survived by her brother, Jerry Hunter (Nancy); sister-in-law, Cheri (Jeff, dec.); her son, J Daniel (Tanja) Carter; her daughter, Lisa Michelle (Troy) Tuckey; and grandsons, Justin Daniel Carter, Alex Julien Tuckey, Andy Thomas Tuckey, and Aaron Michael James Tuckey; an impressive line of cousins, nephews, and nieces, and her beloved and loyal kitty cat, Tulip.

She will be missed by all who knew her. May her spirited soul rest in peace.