Willie Jo Tarabbia

How can you describe a life in just a few words?

It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of our cherished mother Willie Jo Tarabbia, formerly Willie Jo Pugh, on September 13, 2026. She left this world peacefully and unafraid - she was extraordinary.

Born in Lakeland, Fla in 1935, she was raised in Sarasota and attended Sarasota High. She spent her youth with friends on the white sands of Sarasota's beautiful beaches - it was here she met and married Jim Pugh. Following their wedding, they moved to his home, Charleston, where she would go on to raise her three children.

Always curious about life and endlessly creative, she was a woman who was never idle. Her deep passion for fashion led her to open Willie Jo's clothing boutique in the 1970's. Over the years she expanded with locations on King St, in the Mt. Pleasant commons, and on Kiawah Island. She loved visiting the fashion houses in New York City, hand picking styles to bring a touch of fashion to the streets of Charleston.

In the mid 1980's she followed two children to San Francisco, where she met and married her longtime love of 25 years, James Tarabbia. They traveled extensively throughout Europe and especially Italy, where they spent many years doing so! It was in the beautiful hills of Marin County where she began painting at age 70. She continued painting beautiful acrylic pictures until just before her passing.

Willie Jo led a fascinating life full of adventure, music, good food, travel and art. She was the epitome of grit and grace, as she was strong, intelligent, powerful, and at the same time sweet, kind, generous and fun. She had many friends and family who loved her, and she will be missed terribly - we will never forget her beautiful dimpled smile.

She left behind her son Stephen Pugh (Ravee) of Sausalito, CA. Her daughter Pam (Pugh) Inveen (Scott) of Charleston, and three grandchildren Cooper Inveen, Veronica Inveen, and Jiji Vorachard-Pugh. Her beloved Danny (Boy) Pugh passed before her in 1995.

The family will celebrate her life with a private memorial service. Arrangements by J. Henry Stuhr, Inc. Downtown Chapel.