Joan B. Darlington

OBITUARY

Joan B. Darlington, of Reading PA went home to her Lord and Savior on June 16, 2025 after a brief battle with cancer.

Born in West Chester, PA on June 9th of 1943 to Thomas and Georgianna Boyer, Joan or “Joni” as she was referred to in her early years was a scholar and a DAR award recipient. She was also co-captain of the high school cheerleading squad and a distinguished pianist. She graduated from West Chester University in 1965 with a degree in education. An avid supporter of literacy, Joan continued her studies with a Master’s Degree in Reading from the University of Delaware. Her love for travel and adventure led her to become a stewardess for Capitol Airlines in her college years and spent summers traveling about the European continent. She had a true gift for the fine arts and as an adult took night classes in Philadelphia to refine her artistic talent. Joan taught elementary school in Cherry Hill, NJ for several years before starting her family.

Married in June, 1967 to the late Horace F Darlington Jr, they are both survived by her children Andrew Darlington (wife Melissa) of Peachtree City , GA. Granddaughters include Danni (10), an art enthusiast as well and Andi (5), who shares Joan’s love for adventure. Kathryn Maine (husband Robert) of Dallas, GA and grandchildren Olivia (11) ,an avid reader who would always look forward to books Grammy Joan would frequently mail as well as Addison(10) and Reagan(7), both following in her footsteps as cheerleaders. Youngest son Abraham Darlington of Woodstock, GA is an educator who also shares her artistic gifts and love for painting and drawing. His artwork is often displayed in galleries in both Pennsylvania and Georgia. In addition, she is survived by her sisters Deborah Steele (late Kenneth) of Fayetteville, GA and Dorothy DeAngelis (Ronald) of Winston Salem, NC, her brother Thomas Boyer (Diane) of Ft Myers, FL as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Joan’s love for God was always first and foremost. She was actively involved in several churches in the Berks County area and spent much of her later years volunteering at the Salvation Army and various charities in the area.Reading was always home to Joan, however her family was blessed to have her spend her final days close to family in Georgia.

A private burial service will be held at Fallowfield Orthodox Friends Cemetery in Coatesville, PA.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Cancer Society.