SLIGHTS JOANN (DERRICKSON), age 72, passed away in her home in Lewes, Delaware on August 28, 2010, after battling cancer for more than two years. Born December 15, 1937, daughter of Vernon B. Derrickson and Jean M. Derrickson, she is survived by her husband, Joseph R. Slights, Jr., daughter, Jean Slights-Bleiler, son, Joseph R. Slights, III, their spouses and four grandchildren. Born in Dover, Delaware, she attended Sweet Briar College in Virginia and The University of Delaware. She moved to Lewes with her husband in 1998 and spent winters at their residence in Key Largo, Florida. A founding member of Watch our Waterways, an environmental civic organization which actively supported passage of Delaware's original Coastal Zone Act, Joann also served on the Delaware Human Relations Commission and the Board of the Delaware Association of the Blind. Joann was an early member of the Rehoboth Bay Sailing Association and raced Lightning sailboats for many years with her late brother Blades Derrickson and husband Joe. She also was an avid tennis player and very much enjoyed socializing with her friends in tennis groups year-round. In addition to sailing and playing tennis, Joann loved politics, eating crabs at Sambos Tavern, hosting informal gatherings at the familys home in Dewey Beach, taking cruises with her husband, and travelling with her family. Instead of flowers, contributions may be made to Delaware Hospice Center, 100 Patriots Way, Milford, Delaware 19963, or to the Barnabas Fund, Coral Isles United Church of Christ, 90001 Overseas Highway, Tavernier, Florida 33070. A graveside service will be held at the Lakeside Cemetery, 558 N. State Street, in Dover on September 7, 2010 at 11am. In case of inclement weather, the service will be held at the Torbert Funeral Chapel, 61 South Bradford Street, Dover, Delaware 19904.
Posted: Friday, September 03, 2010 12:00 AM EDT
