Johanna Louise Futchs Yopp

Johanna Louise Futchs Yopp, 85, passed away December 15, 2023 at Arbor Acres in Winston Salem, NC, surrounded by her loved ones.

Jo was born on September 6, 1938, the first-born child of Richard Henry and Louise Freidman Futchs, in Wilmington, NC. She graduated from New Hanover High School in 1956 and received her BA in education from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro (formerly known as Women’s College). She taught elementary school for several years in the WSFCS. Jo was a strong believer in education and literacy. After teaching school, Jo was an office manager for her husband’s medical office for over 30 years and she was a real estate professional involved in property management and property development. Jo enjoyed reading, traveling, being at the beach, watching basketball (especially UNC) and spending time with her family. Among her many supports given to educational programs throughout the state, she was especially proud of her UNC-G endowments for the Yopp Distinguished Speaker Series and the Yopp Distinguished Professorship in Math or Science and her UNC-CH endowment for the first donor scholarship for women’s basketball. Jo also supported local causes through her Winston Salem Foundation fund.

Johanna is survived by her children, Beverly Yopp Miyazaki (Doug), B Lynn Yopp, James D “Jay” Yopp III (Tina) and Sara Katherine Yopp. She is preceded in death by her husband of 59 years, James D Yopp Jr; and an infant daughter, Joan “Joanie” Evelyn Yopp (1965). She has devoted grandchildren, Noah Miyazaki, Whitney Miyazaki Lotridge (Cameron), Ryan Miyazaki, Cj Yopp and Samantha Johanna Yopp. Jo was both Nana and mother to CJ and Samantha. She is also survived by her sisters, Patricia Pate and Susan Robinson; and by her brother-in-law, George R Yopp (Nancy).

The Yopp Family is grateful for the kindness of Arbor Acres and Trellis Hospice. Memorials may be made to the WS Foundation.

Online condolences may be made at www.hayworth-miller.com