It is with deep sadness that The Spartanburg Philharmonic announces the loss of board member, musician and friend, Dr. Joella Utley.

Joella earned an undergraduate degree in music at Oklahoma City University before going to medical school to become a radiation oncologist. After she retired from medicine, she studied at Converse and earned her Masters in Music History. Her late husband, Dr. Joe Utley was also a trumpet player for the Philharmonic. Together, the couple collected over 600 trumpets, many of which now reside at the National Music Museum.

A long-time patron of the Spartanburg music community, Joella also served in many capacities throughout her years with the Philharmonic, most recently as

Co-Chair of the Music Director Search Committee responsible for selecting current Maestro Stefan Sanders.

A Service of Witness to the Resurrection will be held in the Sanctuary at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 20, 2019. (Pre-service music will begin at 10:15 a.m.) Visitation will be at Greenlawn Chapel from 6:00-8:00 p.m. on Friday, July 19.

 

Submitted by the Spartanburg Philharmonic