Joann K Delph

JoAnn Kae Delph, age 67 of Brownstown passed away on Wednesday, November, 13, 2013 at Schneck Medical Center. Born December 29, 1945, she was the elder daughter of Charles and Elva (Ayers) Woodley. On February 8, 1986, in Laurel County KY, she married Lonnie Delph. A friend and advocate to anything with paws, fur or feathers, she never met an animal that she didn’t love or would be unwilling to adopt. She would have been as comfortable on Noah’s ark as in her own home. But her generosity went far beyond the animal kingdom. She selflessly gave to everyone and anyone who was within her reach, meticulously searching for the next ideal gift to give. Her thoughts were always with making others happy or just making them laugh, a skill that she had honed over the years. JoAnn’s witty humor and observations would peel anyone’s lips from their teeth. She could seize the precise moment in any situation in which to inject a sly comment that would shatter tension or banish awkwardness—unless, of course, discomfort was what she was aiming for. Her keen brain was nimble at both. She never wasted words or anything else, for that matter. Etched on her mind with love, she remembered everyone’s birthdays and special events with a precision that defied normality. Her innately bright mind devoured information and was only overshadowed by her humility. She was never showy, nor did she need to be the center of attention. She was comfortable in her own skin and simple lifestyle; this created an aura of acceptance and calmness around her in which people—from all walks of life—loved to rest. JoAnn possessed a prayerful and forgiving heart. She said that she never went to bed without praying for her kids. Although at times temperamental, she didn’t cling to grudges, allowing love to salve over offenses. Quirky, unconventional ways made her endearing and left an indelible imprint on the hearts and minds of others. She was simply the kind of person that everyone enjoyed being around and no one would soon forget. How could they? Both her absence and memory are unmistakable. She is survived by her devoted husband, Lonnie; six sons, Nathan Gasaway, Aaron (Charmaine) Gasaway, Jason (Susanti) Gasaway, Shaun (Gina) Gasaway, Shannon (Courtney) Gasaway and Scott Delph; six daughters, Natalie Phillips, Abbie (Brad) Frank, Jolinda (Jeff) Phillips, Tressa Williams, Judy (Richard) Kriete and Jody (Michael) Allman. JoAnn was also blessed with 33 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren; a sister, Linda Lou and two nieces and a nephew. Visitation for JoAnn will be held on Monday, November 18th from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. at the Woodlawn-Freetown Funeral Chapel at 4595 W. 1st Street in Freetown. Services will be conducted by Rev. Donovan Newport on Tuesday at 11 a.m. at the funeral home. Burial will follow services at the Spraytown Cemetery. Memorials can be made to the Lutheran Community Home Chapel Fund care of the funeral home. Woodlawn Family Funeral Centre has been entrusted with care of the services.