Joyce Elaine Pugh Kline
1940-2026
Joyce Elaine Pugh Kline, 86, of Berkeley Springs, W.Va., completed her earthly journey on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, in Frederick, Md., following a brief but aggressive battle with cancer.
Born on March 30, 1940, in Montcalm, W.Va., Joyce was the daughter of the late George and Clara Kade Taylor.
She graduated from Montcalm High School in 1958 as a member of its first graduating class. During her school years, she excelled both academically and socially, serving as a member of the National Honor Society, Secretary of the Future Teachers of America, Yearbook Editor, Student Council member, theater participant, head majorette for four years, and President of the Future Homemakers of America.
Joyce began her career as a telephone operator with General Telephone Company of the Southeast from 1959 to 1961.
On October 15, 1961, she married the love of her life, Wendell E. Pugh, and together they moved to Rockville, Md.
She continued her career with the Chesapeake & Potomac (C&P) Telephone Company, first as an operator and later as a Service Representative until the birth of their first child.
As a loving mother to Kevin and Kimberly, Joyce dedicated herself wholeheartedly to her family. She served as a room mother, volunteered in the school cafeteria, and was a Cub Scout Den Mother from 1971 to 1976, touching countless young lives through her service.
Joyce later joined Montgomery County Public Schools as an Instructional Assistant with the Vocational Support Teams at Rockville and Richard Montgomery High Schools. She worked with students in carpentry, woodworking, electricity, fashion merchandising, and food service. Additionally, she assisted special needs students helping them succeed in the academic portions of these classes. She truly adored her students and believed deeply in their potential. In recognition of her outstanding dedication, she received the 1986 Maryland Association of Vocational Education for Special Needs Persons (MAVESNP) Award for Outstanding Service as a Special Needs Paraprofessional.
Following her retirement from Montgomery County Public Schools in 1988, Joyce and Wendell settled in Berkeley Springs, where she enthusiastically embraced community life.
She enjoyed amateur radio (call sign WA3WQM), square dancing and Vacation Bible School, where she faithfully hosted the annual youth pool party for many years. She was a member of the Gilbert & Sullivan music appreciation group, volunteered with MCEAT, belonged to numerous square dance clubs, and founded the Timber Ridge Twirlers. She also served as State Representative and Secretary for Seniors with AARP and coordinated meals for Camp Joy.
A faithful servant of the Lord, Joyce was a devoted member of Union Chapel United Methodist Church. She served on the church council as Membership and Attendance Secretary, taught Sunday School, worked with the youth ministries, and, as she often joked, served on every committee except the choir.
Joyce was a Life Member of the American Radio Relay League (ARRL), a member of QST magazine, OMXYL (Old Man’s XYL), and the 10-10 International Club. Through amateur radio, she formed lasting friendships with people around the world.
Joyce was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers, George Edgar “Junior” Taylor and James Edward “Eddie” Taylor; and her first husband of 48 years, Wendell E. Pugh.
On June 22, 2013, Joyce married Paul Kline, with whom she shared many happy years.
In addition to her husband, Paul, and his family, she is lovingly survived by her son, Kevin E. Pugh and wife Deanie; her daughter, Kimberly E. McCullagh and husband Robert; five grandsons, Nicholas K. Pugh, Christopher R. McCullagh (Katie), Cody D. Pugh, Michael F. McCullagh, and Sean R. McCullagh; two cherished great-grandchildren, Tucker and Violet (her family, Alison, Steven, Alan, Oliver, and Clara); her sister-in-law, Leta Arleen Payne of Raleigh, North Carolina; and many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Joyce cherished the names Mom, Aunt Joyce, Grammy and GiGi.
Joyce is also survived by her treasured Simeon & Anna Squad and her many dear friends from Union Chapel and throughout the world. Joyce will be remembered for her beautiful smile, contagious laughter, unwavering faith, servant’s heart, and the joy she brought to everyone fortunate enough to know her. Her kindness, generosity, and love of life touched countless lives and will continue to inspire those she leaves behind.
A Celebration of Life service will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, July 23, 2026, at Union Chapel United Methodist Church with Pastor Mike Leedom officiating. Interment will follow in the Union Chapel United Methodist Church Cemetery. Friends will be received at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Joyce’s memory to The Hurst Hospitality House at Winchester Medical Center, valleyhealthlink.com/donate, Valley Health Foundation, 220 Campus Blvd., Suite 402, Winchester, VA 22601, or to Union Chapel United Methodist Church, 10123 Valley Road, Berkeley Springs, WV 25411.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.helsleyjohnsonfh.com.
Arrangements are being handled by Helsley-Johnson Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 95 Union Street, Berkeley Springs, WV.
