Jo Ann Twilley Plichta, age 84, of West Chester, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully on May 30, 2025. Born on May 1, 1941, in Salisbury, Maryland, Jo Ann was the beloved only child of Martha and Joseph Twilley.

Jo Ann dedicated her life to education and the nurturing of young minds. A graduate of Wicomico High School (1959), she went on to earn her Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education (1963) and later her Master of Science in Reading (1986), both from Hood College in Frederick, Maryland. Her passion for learning and teaching shaped not only her career but the countless students whose lives she touched throughout her 40+ years in education.

Jo Ann's professional journey was distinguished and diverse. She taught third grade in Montgomery County Public Schools, worked in their research department, served as a substitute teacher for Frederick County Public Schools.  She shared her love of reading as a Children's Librarian for Frederick County Public Library, and finally retired from Loudon County Public Schools after 14 years as a reading specialist. Her expertise in literacy education helped hundreds of children discover the joy and power of reading.

On June 26, 1965, Jo Ann married David Plichta, beginning a loving partnership that lasted 51 years until David's passing in 2016. Together, they built a life rich in love and friendship.

Jo Ann is survived by her son, Scott David Plichta, and his wife, Dr. Sharon O’Toole Plichta, and her four cherished grandchildren: Matthew (23), Emily (23), Abby (21), and Benjamin (16). She is also survived by her nieces, Heather McCubbin and Kathleen Balakier; her sister-in-law and her husband, Gail and Gary Heimes; as well as many extended family members and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, David Plichta, and her grandchildren, Bethany and Daniel Plichta.

Jo Ann's life journey took her from her hometown of Salisbury on Maryland's Eastern Shore to Frederick, Maryland, where she attended Hood College. Her adventures continued as she lived in Indianapolis, Indiana for three years and Wheaton, Maryland, before settling in Burkittsville/Frederick, Maryland for 41 years. In her later years, she moved to West Chester, Pennsylvania, to be closer to her son and his family. For the past two years, she enjoyed being an active and cherished member of the St. Martha's Manor community in Downingtown, PA, where she proudly served on the residents' council.

Jo Ann was a woman of faith, attending Christ Community Church services and bible study. She will be fondly remembered for her sense of humor, her love of family and friends, and her dedication to teaching. Her legacy lives on in the countless students she inspired and in the loving family she nurtured.

A memorial service celebrating Jo Ann's life will be held at St. Martha's Manor in Downingtown, PA, on June 28, 2025, at 2 pm. Internment will be private. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you donate to your local library in memory of Jo Ann.

"A teacher affects eternity; they can never tell where their influence stops."