Joan M. Jennings, had real estate career
Joan M. Jennings, 83, of Lewes, passed away Thursday, Dec. 17, 2015, at Cadbury at Lewes with her daughter by her side. She was born in Elkins, W.Va., Oct. 26, 1932, daughter of the late Wilbur and Gertie (Phares) Harper.
After moving to the Washington, D.C. area to find her vocation, Joan started work at the Naval Research Lab and met and married her husband, Bill, June 12, 1954. She then raised two children before beginning a long and prestigious career in real estate. She was active in the local garden club, and was an avid bridge player. Joan also had a love for and was an informed collector of primitive antiques. She remained in the D.C. area until her husband's retirement from Goddard Space Flight Center in 1988, when they moved to Lewes to enjoy a slower paced life.
Joan was an animal lover and was often seen walking her dog all over town. She had an extensive collection of original art works displayed in her home, many by local artists whom she greatly admired. Joan was a longtime member of University of Delaware's Osher Institute of Lifelong Learning, enjoying courses in literature and opera. A music lover, Joan held season tickets to the Delaware Symphony Orchestra's classical series, Opera Delaware and Lewes' Coastal Concerts.
She volunteered as a Court Appointed Special Advocate, making recommendations for at risk children after reviewing the family situation. Joan also volunteered for the Lewes Public Library, Rehoboth Art League and Coastal Concerts. She was a staunch supporter of The Children's Beach House in Lewes, a nonprofit organization to help children with special needs reach their highest potential.
In addition to her parents, Joan was preceded in death by her two brothers, James and Charles; her husband of 38 years, Bill; and her son, Brad. She is survived by her daughter, Jill, of Hebron, Md.; her close companion Bill Sharkey of Lewes; and many nieces and nephews who loved her dearly.
Funeral Services will be held Monday, Dec. 28, at 2 p.m., at Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, 16961 Kings Highway, Lewes, where friends may call one hour prior to services. Interment will follow services at St. Peter's Cemetery, Pilottown Road, Lewes.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in Joan's memory to the Children's Beach House, 1800 Bay Ave., Lewes, DE 19958.
Please visit Joan’s Life Memorial Webpage and sign her online guestbook at www.parsellfuneralhomes.com.
