Jill S. McVey, age 78, passed away peacefully at the Lancaster General Hospital on Monday September 9, 2024, following a brief illness. Her daughter and son-in-law were by her side. Jill was born in Lancaster, PA, to the late Donald Witmer Sr. and Harriet (Huber) Witmer.

Jill graduated from Lampeter-Strasburg High School and Millersville University with a Bachelor's Degree in Social Work. She went on to earn her Master's Degree in Social Work from Temple University. Jill dedicated her life to child welfare and served as a case worker and supervisor at Lancaster County Children and Youth Agency for 35 years. She was appointed as the agency's Executive Director in 1998 and served in this role until her retirement in 2006. During her tenure at CYA Jill was awarded Social Worker of the Year by the PA Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers and the Kempe Citation of Excellence by the Lancaster County Committee on Child Abuse.

After her retirement from Lancaster County Children and Youth Jill felt like she had more to offer in the field of public and child welfare. Utilizing her years of knowledge and experience as a social worker and agency director, she became an adjunct professor at Millersville University, teaching, mentoring, and advising graduate students in the University's Social Work department.

In addition to her career at Children and Youth and her time at Millersville University, Jill has also served on numerous boards including the board of directors for the Lancaster County YWCA, Lancaster County MH/MR and the Lancaster County Public Library.

Jill was an avid reader and particularly enjoyed British mystery novels. She also loved the Phillies, doing the New York Times crossword puzzle, and playing word games and cards. When she was younger, Jill competed in Western horse showing and played for the CYA volleyball team. Jill was also an accomplished knitter. Every September she entered her work into the Lampeter fair. Year after year she won awards for her knitting. Although thrilled with her recognition, she was only truly satisfied when it was a first-place blue ribbon. Her friends and family could always count on a piece of her beautiful knitwork each year at Christmas. These pieces will always be loved and cherished. Jill, most recently, knitted hats, mittens, and scarves that she donated to homeless shelters in the Lancaster area to help to keep their residents warm.

Jill had an incredible wit; she was quick with a joke and had a spectacular sense of humor. She also loved animals and adored her dog Misty and laughing at her silly grand-dogs Marly and Targa. Jill will be so, incredibly, missed by her friends and family. She is survived by her daughter Jennifer Mullen, her son-in-law T.J. Mullen, and her beloved grandson Jack, all of Essex, MD. She is also survived by her brother Donald Witmer, Jr., Paradise PA.

Jill's family is eternally grateful to the caring staff at the Lancaster General Hospital and Hospice and Community Care. In lieu of flowers please consider supporting Lancaster County Hospice and Community Care so that they can continue to offer their care and support to other patients and families in need. Also, in Jill's honor cheer on the Phillies, try knitting a hat or scarf, or just read a great book!

I will miss you beyond words, Mom. Thank you for your leadership within the County, for being such an incredible role model and for being the best mom to me and Nanny to my son Jack.

A Memorial Service will be held at Charles F. Snyder III Funeral Home & Crematory, 2421 Willow Street Pike Willow Street, PA on Saturday September 28, 2024, at 2PM. The family will receive guests from 1-2 PM at the funeral home on Saturday. The service will be available on live stream and recorded for those who are not able to attend in person.