Lois Joann Gissendanner

Lois Joann Gissendanner was born on January 30, 1942, in McKeesport, Pennsylvania to Lena Austin and Loyce Gissendanner. Lois attended Miller Avenue Elementary School and Clairton Junior-Senior High School. Lois attended and graduated from Cheyney State College in Cheyney Pennsylvania, earning her Elementary Education Degree. Her first job was teaching 6th graders at Shaw Avenue Elementary School in Clairton, PA.

Lois was seen as an “older sister/mother figure role model support” for her younger sister & brothers. In 1965, Lois joined her mother and siblings moving to Pomona, CA and later West Covina, CA. In California, Lois finalized her educational career by graduating from California State University Fullerton where she earned her Master of Science Degree in Education. Lois developed a passion for education & counseling and maintained her love for students/teaching.

In 1966, Lois joined the Pomona Unified School District. She held various positions within Pomona Unified School District (PUSD) during her 33-year tenure which included:  teaching at Westmont Elementary for 9 years, becoming a ESAA Basic Counselor, becoming an Assistant Principal at Arroyo Elementary, counseling at Garey High School, teaching at Marshall Middle school, and counseling at Pomona High School. Lois retired from Pomona Unified School District in 1999 after 33 years of service in the school District. She often referred to her students as her “babies” and loved working with students of all ages. She frequently substituted within PUSD during her retirement.

Lois loved to TRAVEL! She also enjoyed shopping and going to plays in New York. She visited many places during her lifetime some of the locations included: Greece, Belgum, Italy, Israel, Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean. She also traveled within the United States visiting various states including: Alaska, Hawaii, Las Vegas, NV, Pennsylvania, Florida, Washington, and many many more places.

At the young age of 12, Lois was saved and filled with the Holy Spirit at the First A.M.E. Methodist Church in Clairton, PA. She continued her love of Lord through her entire life. Lois was passionate about sharing her faith and the love of the Lord with others.

In California, she maintained her connection to Christ by attending & serving at New Gethsemane C.O.G.I.C. (current New Direction C.O.G.I.C.). Lois taught at New Gethsemane/New Direction for over 20 + years. She also was a member of the Mother’s Board for over 15 + years. During her later years when Lois could not physically attend church, she still participated virtually for Sunday School and Sunday service with support.

Lois transitioned into the arms of the Lord the morning of June 17, 2024. Lois is survived by her sister Leah Gissendanner, sister-in-law (sister) Audrey Yarbrough, nieces: Dr. Dawna Haynes & Aleicia Yarbrough, nephews: Tairrans Haynes & Joshua Yarbrough, great-nephews: Jesse Grubbs, Michah Grubbs, & Isaiah Grubbs, little Steven Turner, great-nieces: Bria Davis, Ellyana Haynes, cousins: Patricia, Randy, & Dr. Patrice Douglas, Bishop Raymond Watts, Dr. Anita Watts, Annette Menefee, Roberta Watts, & Robert Watts, Jr.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Lena Yarbrough and brothers: Dr. Michael Yarbrough & Adlai Yarbrough.