Joan D. Banning, 73

SALEM - Joan D. Banning, age 73, of Salem, Md., died at her home Saturday, Oct. 17, 2009. Born on Sept. 17, 1936, in East Cleveland, Ohio, she was the daughter of the late James Frederick Donovan and Alice Grace O'Neill Donovan. She was educated primarily in Dorchester County schools and was a graduate of Cambridge High School, Class of 1954. On July 31, 1954, she married E. Robert Banning. He died on Feb. 12, 2006. Mrs. Banning had worked as a secretary for the Eastern Shore State Hospital Center from where she retired. Mrs. Banning was a member of the Catholic faith and attended the Salem United Methodist Church for several years as her health began to fail. She enjoyed reading, hosting gatherings with family and friends at her home, attending luncheons with her classmates, collecting angels and enjoyed dancing. Surviving is her son ,Michael R. Banning and his wife Tyboria of Salem; four step-grandchildren, Tyrine Thompson, Rena Benson, Delbert Benson, and Tamba Elliott; seven step-great-grandchildren; a sister-in-law, Anna Ruth Bisker of Salem; two nephews, Dudley Bisker and his wife Cathi of Salem, and Blair Bisker and his wife Kim of East New Market; several cousins; a host of special friends; and her devoted pets Elmo a dog and cats Sam and Sarah. Preceding her in death besides her parents and husband, was her step-mother, Gertrude Donovan; a brother, James Frederick Donovan, Jr.; and a brother-in-law, Donald Bisker. Funeral services will be 1 p.m. today, Oct. 21, at Curran-Bromwell Funeral Home, P.A., where the family will receive friends two hours prior to the service. Officiating at the service will be The Rev. Mary Ann Farnell and The Rev. Helen B. Lockwood. Burial will follow in East New Market Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Delbert Benson, Jr., Billy Short, Wesley Short, John Windsor and George Windsor. Memorial offerings may be made in Mrs. Banning's memory to with the Linkwood-Salem Volunteer Fire Dept., P.O. Box 66, Linkwood, MD 21835; or to the Salem United Methodist Church, c/o Mr. Joe Layton, 4448 New Bridge Road, Vienna, MD 21869. To send online condolences, please visit www.curran-bromwell.com.