Joan Y. "Joannie" Ellerbe

     Joan Yvonne Ellerbe (affectionately known as Joannie) born September 21, 1951, departed this life on May 5, 2020 at the age of 68.

     Joan was born in Felton, DE to the late Donald and Kathryn Dixon (Mosley). She began her education at Union Elementary School.  Her junior high experience was at Booker T. Washington in Dover, DE.  Before integration, she started high school at William W. M. Henry Comprehensive High School, also in Dover, DE.  She completed high school by graduating from Dover High School. Joan was employed by the State of Delaware and retired in 2003 after completing 30 years of service (2 years with the State Home and Hospital for the Chronically Ill; 28 years with the Department of Technology & Information).

     On September 30, 1969, she married William Jerry Ellerbe, Sr. (Jerry).  They were blessed to have been able to celebrate the milestone of 50 years of marriage together.

     Joan had a passion for arts and crafts.  She loved to crochet and made several beautiful blankets that she presented as gifts to others.  She also enjoyed doing cross stitching and was a talented sketch artist.  In her younger years, she participated in competitive sports including softball and bowling leagues.  She was a courageous and strong warrior, and will always be remembered for her thoughtfulness, humbleness, kindness, and loving spirit.

     Joan was a devoted wife, mother, sister, and grandmother. She leaves to cherish her memory her husband Jerry: her two children, Erica Benson and William Jerry Ellerbe, Jr. (Jay); sister, Joyce Dixon; son-in-law, David Benson; grandchildren, Brandi Benson, Joslyn Benson and Zoe Ellerbe; brother-In-law, Walter Glenn Ellerbe (Teri), extended family and  friends.

     A private funeral service will be held at Pippin Funeral Home, 119 W. Camden-Wyoming Ave, Wyoming, Delaware. Joan will be laid to rest at John Wesley Church Cemetery in Milford, Delaware. Condolences may be sent via: www.pippinfuneralhome.com. 

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