Joan Willis Fetterman, had unwavering faith
Joan Evelyn Willis Fetterman, 66, triumphantly entered into the presence of her Lord Friday, May 3, 2013. Through unwavering faith in Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior, she died victorious, and now rests in the arms of the one who called her home.
Joan was born to Hubert and Edna Willis in Newport News, Va., March 19, 1947. She lived most of her childhood and youth in Hampton.
She attended Hampton High School and studied performing arts at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond. She later earned a C.L.U. license, and sold insurance in Seaford and Milford.
Joan married David Fetterman in 1986, and was a resident of Milford for more than 25 years, immersing herself in her dear friends and community. An avid baker and cook, Joan's hospitality ranged from intimate dinners, to pig roasts for extended family and friends. These gatherings were the source of wonderful food, fun and memories for all who attended - both at home and at her beloved cottage in Chincoteague, Va.
Joan was a member of New Covenant Presbyterian Church in Lewes. She was active in community Bible study, and for years was a Sunday school teacher, a longtime speaker for Christian Women's Club and a volunteer for the Sussex Pregnancy Care Center -ministry roles that underscored her love and commitment to Christ.
Through the years she played golf and tennis, and she enjoyed traveling with her husband and friends. She was gifted in sewing and needlework, and produced beautiful works that were gifts to many. In recent months the Fetterman home hosted many hymn sings that were joyfully attended by friends and family. One of Joan's greatest treasures was time with her beloved grandchildren in whom she invested much time and sweet energy.
Those who knew and loved her will forever be touched by her generosity of spirit and the intentional way she nurtured relationships in the name of Jesus Christ.
As an encouragement to others, she chronicled her journey with cancer in a blog on her church’s website: www.ncpchurch.com.
Survivors include her husband, David; and children Marc Russell and his wife Wendy, of Milford, Cory Fetterman and his wife Rachel, also of Milford, and Christi Fetterman Milligan and her husband Tom, of Newark; and eight grandchildren. She is also survived by a sister, Carolyn (Gary) Bryant, of Wilmington; a brother, Edward (Sylvia Willis, of Sophia, N.C.; and numerous nieces and nephews.
A memorial service is scheduled for 2 p.m., Saturday, May 11, at New Covenant Presbyterian Church, 3072 Savannah East Drive, Lewes. Visitation will begin at 1 p.m. Burial will be private.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to Sussex Pregnancy Care Center, www.SussexPregnancyCareCenter.com),
A Door of Hope, www.ADoorofHope.org, and the Sunday Breakfast Mission (www.SundayBreakfastMission.com).
Arrangements in the care of Berry-Short Funeral Home, Milford.
