Joan Langford, 76, of Clayton, DE, passed away on August 3, 2018. She is survived by her husband of 34 years Andrew Begley; children Jack (Janine) Hamilton of Youngstown, Ohio; Reverend James (Darlene) Hamilton of Arlington, Texas; Michelle Mangine of Youngstown, Ohio; Jannie (Richard) Wlodarsky of Youngstown, Ohio; Mandy Langford of Clayton, DE; siblings Bill (Janice) Shanabarger of Youngstown, Ohio; Steve Shanabarger of Youngstown, Ohio; her sisters-in-law Jeanie Shanabarger of Youngstown, Ohio; and Mary Jo Begley of Dover, Delaware, as well as many nieces, nephews, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Daughter of the late Sylvia (Vincent) and George Shanabarger, Joan was born June 10, 1942, in West Virginia. She was preceded in death by her parents and her siblings Ike Shanabarger, George Dale Shanabarger, Gene Shanabarger, Paul Shanabarger, and June Shanabarger.

Joan's life was rich and varied; she had many diverse interests. She was an outstanding cook and loved to bake, often gifting friends and loved ones with delicious treats. A diehard fan of the NY Yankees and the Dallas Cowboys as well as a lover of music and theater, Joan enjoyed spending time with friends and loved ones. A loving wife to Andrew, Joan was a source of strength and the heart of their home. Together, they have devoted the last fourteen and a half years to raising their autistic grandsons, Jeremy and Gavin. A steady presence in the lives of those around her, Joan's passing leaves a hole in the hearts and lives of those who knew her.

A memorial service to celebrate Joan's life will be held at Grace Presbyterian Church, 350 McKee Road, Dover, DE. The service will be held at 6:30pm on Friday, September 21, 2018 with a reception at the church immediately following the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the following organizations which were very dear to Joan for the assistance they provide her beloved grandsons Jeremy and Gavin:

• Kent County Community School (KCCS), 65 Carver Road, Dover, DE 19904
• Arise Delaware (Embrace), PO Box 862, Dover DE 19903 (or online at www.AriseDE.org)

Please write "Joan Langford" on the memo line of your check or in the comment field if you choose to donate online.

To sign the online guestbook, please click on the tab marked "View and Sign Guestbook".

Arrangements are by Matthews-Bryson Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Smyrna.