Joan Iris Cole

Joan Iris Cole, affectionately known as "Joanie" was born in Wilmington, DE on March 3, 1940 to Anna Mae French and the late Oscar Washam. Joanie was the eldest daughter of seven children; two brothers have preceded her in death. Joan received her education through the Wilmington Public School system and was a proud Howard High School graduate. She rarely missed a Howard High reunion or alumni dance. Devoted Mother
Joan and Eugene Cole were married and had four children, Donna, Dwight, Sheila and Gina. She was a loving and devoted mother not just to her children but to many, many, many others. Joanie took pride in raising her family to love and support one another and to be united through adversity. As a dedicated grandmother, she was known as Grandma Joan and had a special relationship with her grandchildren. They knew she would love and support them unconditionally. While Joanie was a loving mother she wasn't a pushover by any means. She told you what was expected and never compromised her expectations. Servant of God
Joan loved the Lord and she loved her church. She was a faithful member of the Presbyterian Church of Our Savior for 42 years. She served as Elder, Treasurer and various other positions. She was a member of Session and was a member of Presbyterian Women of New Castle Presbyterian. When her church closed she didn't let it stop her from giving God the glory. She continued in faith and joined St. Paul's U.A.M.E. Church and gained a new church home and family that she adored. Strong Work Ethic
For over 40 years Joan worked at Christiana Care Hospital. She started off in the supply department and retired from the hospital as a medical biller in Infusion Services. A proud single mom Joan was passionate about providing for her children. She was determined that they would not lack for anything and would often work a second full time job to make ends meet. Joan wasn't afraid to work hard for her family. The wellbeing of her children was always first and last in her thoughts. World Traveler
Joan worked hard but she played hard too. She loved to travel and would take at least two trips a year. She went to the islands, the Bahamas, Antigua, Paris, London, California, Las Vegas, Domican Republic and more. She took cruises and was the queen of road trips. Joanie had a life list and she lived her life to the fullest. Joan leaves to carry on her legacy, her children, Donna (Alphonzo) Jackson, Dwight Cole, Shelia (Wesley) Wilkins, Eugenia Cole, Linda Worley and Sharon Riddick; 14 grandchildren Amber, Sharee, Simone, Malchiel, Michael, Brianna, Monique, Tyree, Joshua, Onjelique, Mia, Ryan, Brittani, and Sean; seven great grandchildren, her mother Anna Mae French, four siblings, Lamont Washam, Tyrone Washam, Joyce McQueen, Gary Washam and a loving host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.