LAUREL - Joan Lee Groton Venables passed away at Nanticoke Hospital on Nov. 19, 2018.
Joan was born in Parksley, Va. a daughter of the late Elwood and Cecil Belle Groton.
Joan retired from the DuPont Co. in Seaford working in the Lab for over 41 years. She was a graduate of Laurel High School, class of 1949.
One of Joan's passions was her race horse "Gus". Their mutual affection was apparent to all. She also enjoyed the beautiful things in life, especially antiques. She was an avid collector of fine quality crystal, porcelains and ceramics. She took great joy in finding such treasures. She loved to shop.
Joan was very sociable, always stopping to speak to friends and family which included most of Sussex County and beyond. She had a big heart and was generous to those in need.
Joan showed amazing courage and fortitude in battling illness during several life threatening episodes. Her zest for life was remarkable. She made the most of the life God gave her and lived life to the fullest. She never lost her wonderful sense of humor to the end.
She expressed her enormous gratitude for the care and support she received from her family, Dr. Vance Prewitt and Sue Messick, R.N.
Joan is survived by her husband, William (Bill) Venables, Jr. of Laurel; her sister, Rebecca Faye Portway (Robert Adrian ) of St. Augustine, Fla. She is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews and extended family members.
A funeral service will be held at Centenary United Methodist Church, 200 W. Market St., Laurel on Friday, Nov. 30, 2018 at 1 p.m. A viewing will also be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Rev. Dean Perdue will officiate. Interment will follow in Odd Fellows Cemetery in Laurel. Food will be provided at the Fellowship Hall at Centenary Church following the internment.
Arrangements are in the care of the Hannigan, Short, Disharoon Funeral Home, Laurel. Online condolences can be made by visiting www.hsdfuneralhome.com