Obituaries

Jill S. McVey, 78

September 09, 2024

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.

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Condolences to the Family

October 09, 2024

Jill was my best friend during our undergraduate years at Millersville. She was so smart! It used to drive me nuts that I would study hours for a test and only get a B or C and she would barely look at the material and ace it. I was not a rule-breaker, but she would always talk me into cutting history class for a burger run at McDonald’s. And of course her humor helped lift my spirits during the dark times there. We played a lot of pinochle — she always called clubs “puppy toes.” I watched her service via Livestream and was so impressed with all that she accomplished and was very moved by Jen’s loving words about her mother. I am so happy that she had such a beautiful life and so much love surrounding her! I will always think of her with gratitude for choosing to be my friend during those very difficult college years. Jen, I send you and your family and all of Jill’s loved ones prayers for comfort and peace. Love, Jackie Logue

September 30, 2024

My sincere condoluences to you, Jen! You always had wonderful things to say about your mom! Thinking of you during these tough times! Brad

September 28, 2024

I knew ‘aunt jill’ my entire life. And yet I regret not really knowing her at all. So many accomplishments, skills and talents that I never knew of. To me, she was just cool. She was beautiful,  stylish and always had a welcoming, courios and interested look on her face. But her laughter, that’s what I remember most. For some reason it has remained fresh in my memory of her for all of these years. There was never a hint of conceit or judgement felt from her. 
What a truly wonderful human being she was to so many. I am so full of regret and loss for missing out on the opportunity given to me by having her as family to know, love and learn from and about her.
Jen, the service was beautiful. What a wonderful and fulfilling life she created for herself. And for you, her spitting image, and her world. We really didn’t know all of that back then did we? Lol!
Tears rolled as I was listening to your dedication at her service. Then laughter and then back to tears.
When we were kids I used to be so envious, and also curiously intrigued, of the strong and loving bond the two of you just naturally shared. Today, just the envy still 😇😁, but the love and strength I figured out. That’s just exactly who she was, through and through. I am blessed in this life to have had her pass through mine.
 
I miss you cousin, and I will miss her also. It was good to hear your voice. Know my heart is with you💜
Love, Angie
 

September 28, 2024

Jill was truly one of the best supervisors I ever had!  She was so kind and a great role model and mentor during my time at CYA. She will be missed. Thinking of your family during this difficult time. Michelle (Golden) Stoudt

September 27, 2024

Jill was my friend, my colleague, my boss. Her career was such a benefit to our community. She will be so missed. She was an outstanding leader and dear friend.  I regret medical issues will keep me from attending in person. 
Greg Landis

September 27, 2024

Cousin Jill, you will be missed very much.

September 27, 2024

 My deepest condolences to the family. May God give you strength, comfort and  peace during this rine 
Timberlin Dorsey (Children and Youth)

September 26, 2024

Ah, Jill. What a treasure to all that she worked with and to those children and families that she served. I had the privilege of promoting Jill to be the Director of Children and Youth….a decision made easy by a woman of rare commitment, intelligence and dedication to her profession. Although her career was so very serious, she had the capacity for humor and grace throughout. She was a cherished and trusted colleague who was generous with her insight and loyalty. For all of this I will always be so deeply grateful. 
Timothea M Kirchner (former County Administrator)

September 25, 2024

Many years ago, I served with Jill on what was then called the MH/MR advisory board.  What I admired about Jill was that she “told it like it is” but always in a respectful manner.  She was a defender of CYA and, at the same time, recognized the issues that CYA and the entire MH/MR field faced.  John McEWen, retired officer,  Manheim Township Police.

September 24, 2024

Please accept David and Robyn Alspach’s condolences.  David and Jill had a such a great working relationship at Children and Youth.  David and I are not able to attend the service at this time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.  Robyn Alspach(David’s spouse)

September 23, 2024

Jill and I were high school sweethearts and Donnie was my best friend growing up.  I have lots of great memories including dances at the scout house.  Please accept my condolences and send them to Donnie.  I’ve been trying to reach him, but unsuccessfully.  Sorry to miss the service and would like to connect with Donnie.  He should have my phone number. Bill Dorsey

September 23, 2024

My deepest sympathy to Jill’s family.  Jill and I worked for the County for many, many years.  She was such a lovely person.  The citizens of Lancaster County were extemely fortunate to have such a dedicated, knowledgeable and professional individual serve the Children and Youth Social Service Agency.  I am thankful that I had the opportunity to work with Jill.  RIP, Jill.  Doris S. Kiehl, former Chief Clerk for Lancaster County, PA.

September 23, 2024

Jill was a wonderful person to get to know. She did so much for the community, and I especially loved her passion for knitting and creating pieces for those in need. She is reunited with Misty. Love you, Jill.  
Azlynn Hill

September 22, 2024

Jill was an amazing mentor to me and many others at CYA and she is a part of some of my best memories from working there.  She taught many of us how to have fun and to have compassion for others!  So glad I was recently able to see her and to get a hug from her.  She will be missed and remembered by many.  God’s blessings to her family and to all of those touched by Jill!
Suzanne

September 22, 2024

Dear family, 
I am saddened to learn of Jill’s passing and wanted to share how she touched us all at CYA. I would have preferred to tell you directly but unfortunately will be out of town for her remembrance service. I was blessed to work with Jill for 7 years total and still remember her laughter coming down the hall and seeing her smile brighten what could have been a horrible day for someone. She always had our back and was fiercely protective of all who worked with her. She was a great lady and a terrific ‘boss’ who will be remembered fondly by MANY!
Lisa Terrell

September 21, 2024

Jill was a suppotive supervisor and  director at CYA. Loved playing pinochle with her during our lunch hours. Her great sense of humor came through when she wrote our agency foster parent plays. A women of many talents. 
Mari Himmright

September 21, 2024

What a great mentor she was at Children and Youth.  She was an inspiration –caring and empathetic.  Her leadership inspired me and others.  She had a way of asking you to take on new challenges which were hard to say no to.  She was a great lady to many of us and will be missed.  

September 20, 2024

I wish I would have had the time to say I love you, one last time! You helped mold me into the person I am today. Living in California away from my family with my LCSW working in the County with community members in need of behavioral health services. I pray for strength, comfort, and peace for all her loved ones and those of us she’s touched in more ways than one.  I will forever remember you and hold you close to my heart! Till we meet again, Rosa

September 20, 2024

Jill & I were friends from elementary school throughl graduation.  I lived on Fulton St and so did Jill.  We always had fun growing up.  Donnie will remember the McComsey girls who lived down the street.  One day I will never forget, Jill & I were playing at her house and her mother was canning red beets when the canner blew up and red beets were all over the ceiling and floor.  Jill & I laughed so hard and took off to my place fast.  At the time we thought it was funny.  We went to the local festivals, played ball and just had fun together when we were in elementary school.  She was a beautiful person and you were lucky to have such a great mother.  Sympathy to all.

Visitation
Saturday, September 28, 2024
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Charles F. Snyder III Funeral Home & Crematory
2421 Willow Street Pike
Willow Street, PA 17584
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Services
Saturday, September 28, 2024
2:00 PM
Charles F. Snyder III Funeral Home & Crematory
2421 Willow Street Pike
Willow Street, PA 17584
Map and Directions

Get Maps and Directions >
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