News Summary
Joanne Christian Modlin, a prominent educator and community leader, passed away at the age of 92. She made significant contributions to education and community service in Virginia, leaving a lasting legacy. Modlin’s career spanned teaching and real estate, while also advocating for the preservation of local heritage. She is survived by her husband, children, and grandchildren, who cherished her dedication to family and community. A private service is planned, with donations recommended to a local charity in her honor.
Williamsburg, VA – Joanne Christian Modlin, a respected educator and community leader, passed away on October 23, 2025, at Williamsburg Landing. She was 92 years old. Modlin’s contributions to education, real estate, and community service in Virginia have made her a cherished figure in the area.
Born on April 7, 1933, in Bristol, VA, Modlin lived most of her life in Smithfield, VA. She graduated from Smithfield High School before pursuing higher education at Randolph-Macon Woman’s College and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she earned Phi Beta Kappa honors. A member of the Delta Delta Delta sorority, her academic achievements set a strong foundation for her lifelong commitment to education.
Throughout her career, Modlin made significant strides in the education sector. She taught high school students in Smithfield and Virginia Beach and later took on the role of a seventh-grade teacher in Hinesville, GA. After her teaching career, she entered the real estate field, where she remained active for many years.
Modlin’s dedication to her community extended far beyond her professional life. She was a long-time member and chairperson of the Smithfield Historic and Architectural Review Committee, where she played a crucial role in preserving the town’s heritage. Additionally, she served as a past board member of Ivy Hill Cemetery. Her involvement in the arts included over forty years of participation in the Smithfield Shakespeare Class, where she earned the title of member emeritus.
Her family has been deeply affected by her passing. She was preceded in death by her parents, Joe David and Alice Luter Christian, her brother Robert Christian, and her great-granddaughter Elizabeth Naomi Arnold. Modlin is survived by her husband of seventy years, Charles Robert Modlin, as well as their sons, Robert Christian and Paitra Moore Modlin, and Brian Davis and Nancy Spady Modlin. She also leaves behind grandchildren Charles Christian Modlin, Christina Grace Modlin, and John Devin Arnold with his wife Hannah Bradshaw Arnold, along with great-grandsons Phineas Brock Arnold, Woodrow Hundley Grey Arnold, and Lawrence Alexander Arnold. Other surviving family members include her brothers and sisters-in-law: William L. and Susan Abbott Christian, Dr. Joe D. and Ann Claborne Pope Christian, John G. and Harriet Ziegler Christian, and Cynthia Rotty Christian, along with numerous nieces and nephews.
A private family service is scheduled to be held at a later date, with family recommending donations to the Western Tidewater Free Clinic at 2019 Meade Parkway, Suffolk, VA 23434, or to a charity of choice instead of sending flowers. Those wishing to express their condolences may do so online at www.littlesfuneralhome.com.
Modlin’s legacy as an educator and community advocate will be remembered fondly by those whose lives she touched throughout her long and fulfilling life.
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Community Leader Joanne Christian Modlin Passes Away
Additional Resources
- Little’s Funeral Home: Joanne Modlin Obituary
- Legacy: Mary Gilmer Obituary
- Legacy: Glenn Erwine Obituary
- Google Search: Joanne Christian Modlin
- Wikipedia: Education
Author: STAFF HERE WILLIAMSBURG WRITER
The WILLIAMSBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREWilliamsburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Williamsburg, James City County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Williamsburg Farmers Market, Yorktown Market Days, and Busch Gardens Food & Wine Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Williamsburg Chamber of Commerce and Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, plus leading businesses in education and hospitality that power the local economy such as College of William & Mary, The Williamsburg Winery, and Sodexo. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREVirginiaBeach.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Virginia's dynamic landscape.
