JoAnn Virginia Brislen

JoAnn Virginia Hartshorn Brislen, 87, went to her heavenly home, on Friday, March 26, 2021, from East Ohio Regional Hospital, in Martins Ferry, OH. She was a longtime resident of Mt. Pleasant, most recently residing with her daughter near Smithfield.

She was born 0n May 8, 1933, in Warrenton, OH, to the late Joe and Virginia (Ogden) Hartshorn.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, William Brislen.

JoAnn was a graduate of Warren Consolidated High School. She worked as a telephone operator until meeting on “phone line” a bored railroad telegrapher during mutual lonely midnight shifts and marrying in 1957. She was a dedicated member of Meadowbrook Church of God where she taught Sunday School for over 30 years. Though known to be quiet and shy, JoAnn also had an adventurous spirit. She visited Africa, played tackle football and sledding, well into her 70’s, and enjoyed demonstrating her skills in cornhole. JoAnn was an exceptional mother and a fun-loving grandmother, “Bagan” she will be greatly missed!

She is survived by two sons, Mike (Cindy) Brislen, of Harrisonburg, VA and William Brislen, of Mt. Pleasant, OH; two daughters, Margaret “Margie” (Gene) Omaits, of Smithfield, OH and Susan (Paul) Fillipovich, of Adena, OH; a caring brother, Tom (Esther) Hartshorn, of Hickory NC; nine grandchildren, Jessica, Jordan and Alia Brislen, Ryan (Sarah), Jake (Jenn), Ben (Jen) and Isaac (Addie) Omaits and Shayna and Kayla Fillipovich and nine great-grandchildren, Logan, Chloe, Mason, Charlee, Brantley, Hannah, Sebastian, Griffin and Lorelai.

Friends will be received to pay tribute to JoAnn and celebrate her life on Monday, March 29th, 3-7 at the Borkoski Funeral Home, Tiltonsville, OH and on Tuesday, 10 am until the time of service of 11 am at the Meadowbrook Church of God, Rayland, OH, with Reverend Marvin Schooler officiating.

Masks and social distancing are expected at both the funeral home and church.

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