Joan Jester Gaynor

Joan Ethel Jester was born in 1931 and raised in Wilmington, Delaware by her parents C. Otis and Margaret Jester, then went on to be with the LORD in November 22, 2020.

Joan attended Wilmington High School, where she performed as the head majorette, performed as ballerina, and played the viola and mandolin for the orchestra. After graduation, she married her high school sweetheart John T. Gaynor II. While her husband served in the US Army during the Korean War, she remained in Delaware and worked for the Wilmington News Journal and saved every single paycheck along with his, so that when he returned from overseas service they were able to buy their first home in North Wilmington. She then gave birth to her first son, and subsequently added four more boys before they eventually moved to Chalfonte in North Wilmington where they had their last child and only daughter. Joan spent her remaining years in this house as homemaker for their family of eight, caregiver to her parents, aunt, uncle and mother-in-law, then took on a very active role in raising her thirteen grandchildren.

Joan enjoyed her ladies’ Bible Study, was an active member at The Cedars Church of Christ, loved her morning walks around the park with friends, and enjoyed her time at the Delaware beaches with her husband of 68 years. She was known for her bright, beautiful, contagious smile and forever positive attitude. She loved her country and especially her “Dear Ole Delaware.” She looked forward to the Italian Festival every summer, and was a dedicated fan of the Philadelphia Eagles, Phillies and 76ers.

Joan is predeceased by her husband John, her youngest son Grant, her sister Marie Arthur and brother Clarke Jester. She is survived by her sons John T. Gaynor III and wife Linda, Clarke and wife Misty, Barry, Tom and wife Lynn, and her youngest child and only daughter Linda (Gaynor) Trinkle and husband Joe. She was an adoring Mommom to her thirteen grandchildren Alicia and husband Matt, Cassi and husband Ben, Joey and wife Stephanie, Luke, Gary, Tyler, Dylan, Bryan, Haley, Grant, Jared, Eric and John T Gaynor IV, and her great grandson Judah. She called each one of them Darling and she will be dearly missed by each of them.