In Memoriam

Dolores “Dee” Jane Jamison Ware, 86, a native of Morgantown, died Sunday, January 21, 2018, at her home in Franklin, Tennessee.

Ware was born on June 23, 1931, to Charles Martin Jamison and Gladys Iona Zearley. She graduated from WVU in 1952 with a bachelor’s from the School of Physical Education and was a member of the Chi Omega Sorority. While in Morgantown, she met WVU student Alfred F. Ware, and they married in 1952.

Ware taught in public schools, lived in Tokyo for a time, served on various boards, managed fashion shows, held chair positions in organizations and institutions across the world and even co-owned her own art gallery. 

She and her husband also co-founded Amherst International, which became Amherst Fiber Optics — which they sold in 2000.

Philanthropists to the core, the Wares donated land and funds to WVU for the Ware-Jamison Gateway Park, established the Ware Distinguished Professorship at CPASS, Ware Student-Athlete Scholarships, Ware Presidential Scholarship for Monongalia County, Blaney House renovations, the Ware Family Art Gallery at Blaney House and the Erickson Alumni Center, where the Ware Family Alumni Walk is named in their honor.

Ware earned many accolades for her service over her incredible lifetime. She was a chairperson of both WVU CPASS and the Blaney House Visiting committees, a member of the CPASS Hall of Fame and, in 2010, was named an outstanding alumna with CPASS. She was also a charter member of the WVU Foundation Woodburn Circle Society and a member of the Foundation’s Irvin Stewart Society. In 2011, the Wares received the Outstanding Volunteer Philanthropist Award from the WVU Foundation for their commitment to the University and the state.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Dee’s memory to the WVU Foundation, P.O. Box 1650, Morgantown, WV 26501-1650. Please indicate that the gift is made in Dee’s memory.

Terrance L. Alessi
Physical Education ’80, Stubenville, Ohio, April 18, 2018

Melanie L. Begley
Physical Education ’85, Pickerington, Ohio, June 14, 2018

Nancy J. Bottorf
Physical Education ’57, Hollywood, Md., May 4, 2018

Virginia E. Collins
Physical Education ’65, Ballwin, Mo., June 7, 2018

Theodore S. Evans
Sport Management ’97, Saint Albans, W.Va, March 30, 2018

Gary L. Guidi
Physical Education ’68, Morgantown, W.Va., June 25, 2018

Richard L. Harrison
Physical Education ’64, Hurricane, W.Va., April 26, 2018

Phillip R. Kessel
Sport and Exercise Studies ’87, Tampa, Fla., April 21, 2018

Danilo A. Tabanero
Physical Education ’85, Lexington, S.C., April 13, 2018