Joan Melvena (White) Oliver, known as ‘Poochie’
Joan Melvena (White) Oliver, 61, of Lewes, affectionally known as “Poochie,” was born Jan. 21,1959, to Ruth P. Turner and the late Tennyson Moore. Joan departed this life early Wednesday morning, May 27, 2020, at Beebe Healthcare in Lewes.
She received her early education at Shields Elementary School and Cape Henlopen High School in Lewes.
Joan was joined in holy matrimony to Linwood Oliver, April 6, 1991, who was her high school sweetheart, and they remained “sweethearts” from day one of their relationship, right up until she departed this earth; and the vows say “till death do us part.” To that union, they had one son together, Levaughn. Joan had given her heart to the Lord and attended Eagles Nest Church.
She liked to dance, playing games, entertaining, baking, and her specialty was her delicious apple pie and making subs. She liked to go to yard sales and loved to shop for clothes. She was one “dressing mama,” and she knew she was looking some kind of good. Joan was one who loved to give, and she would help others in their time of need, without giving a second thought about doing it. She was a sweet person but one knew not to cross her, because she would get right back with them and would not bite her tongue. Joan loved herself “some Woody;” her children and grandchildren meant the world to her. Joan never had to do much of anything, for she was Woody’s queen, wherein he loved her so much that he practically did everything for her.
Joan was preceded in death by her father, Tennyson Moore; and a sister, Carmen Phillips. Joan will be missed by her husband, Linwood (Woody); her mother, Ruth Turner of Lewes; a son, Levaughn White, of Long Neck; a daughter, Yvonne (Jeremy) Mullen of Dover; three stepsons, Linwood (Conchetta) Burton of Hurlock, Md,, Jermaine Burton of Georgetown and Lance Burton of Dover; two grandchildren, LaShay White of Milford and Brian Holland of Milford; five sisters, Felicia (Kenneth) Deshields of Wilmington, Antoinette Raynard Wilson (Kenneth) of Antioch, Calif., Dorothy Moore-Jenkins (Donish) of Ashbury Park, N.J., Tanya Moore of Baltimore, Md., and Bernice Moore of Georgia; five brothers; Jonathan White and Vaughn White, both of Lewes, Terrance White of Richmond, Va., Allan (Sandra) White of Georgetown and Kyle (Barbara) White of Georgetown; two maternal aunts, Grace Thomas and Thelma White, both of Lewes; five paternal aunts; two paternal uncles; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. She will be missed dearly by family and friends, especially for her infectious smile that spread and drew others in.
Celebration of life service will be held at Bennie Smith Funeral Home, 437 N. Front St. Seaford, Wednesday June 3, at 11 a.m. Family and friends may visit two hours prior to the service.
To offer words of comfort and sign the guest book visit http://www.benniesmithfuneralhome.com.
