Joanne Ruth Flanagan

Joanne “Joni” Ruth Flanagan was born in Boston, MA on January 12, 1949 to the late Marie and George Leighton. After a brief illness, she went home to be with the Lord on October 23, 2024, peacefully surrounded by her family. She married her husband, Hugh, of 57 years on September 23, 1967. Joanne lived the majority of her marriage as a homemaker with her four children and was engaged in ministry with her husband over his 42 years as a Pastor. She taught Missionettes, sign language ministry, and worked in women’s ministry. She had many spiritual gifts that built up the church. Joanne felt a burden for children without families and did Foster Care, taking in a total of 13 children over the years. In this, she taught her family to have love and compassion that stretched out beyond their own family. In her later years, Joanne was the Secretary for her husband at Parkview Assembly of God. In her retirement years, she became the caregiver for her husband. Joanne was always joyful and loved to laugh, even about herself. She loved her family, but especially loved the Lord with all her heart. Joanne had tremendous faith, and a strong prayer and devotion life. She was full of wisdom and no matter what the circumstance were, she knew exactly what to say at exactly the right time. She will be forever loved and missed by all. Joanne is survived by her loving husband of 57 years, Hugh Christopher Flanagan Jr.; her children: Hugh Christopher Flanagan III (Kimberly), Desiree Galyn Nabors (Timothy), Brandon Thomas William Flanagan Sr. (Lynn), and Heath Brett Flanagan (Hira); her siblings: Doris Colon, Kathy Killough (Gary), George Leighton (Connie), and Kim Leighton (Karin); her grandchildren: Brianna (Mike), Thomas (Heather), Antonio, Kayla (Daniel), Rachel, Megan (Nick), Victoria, Lydia (JiZayah), Amelia, Brandon, and Ella; 5 great grandchildren: Irelyn, Revienne, Eden, Gabriel, and Elisha; and a host of extended family and friends. Joanne was preceded in death by her parents, Marie and George Leighton; her stepmother, Abbey Leighton; and siblings, Channing and Georgine Leighton. Family and friends are invited to attend a visitation on Thursday, October 31 from 9:30 to 11 AM at the Strano & Feeley Family Funeral Home, 635 Churchmans Rd., Newark, DE 19702. A service in celebration of Joanne’s life will follow at 11 AM. Burial will be private at Bethel Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in Joanne's memory be sent to www.neighborslove.org a local non profit dedicated to meeting the needs of children. For directions or to send an online condolence please visit www.stranofeeley.com

Joanne Ruth Flanagan

January 12, 1949 - October 23, 2024

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