Joan Wheaton Dickinson

JOAN MARIE WHEATON DICKINSON, 71, of Manassas, VA went home to be with her Lord on Thursday, December 8, 2011. Joan was a survivor of ovarian cancer for six years, and amazed all by her courageous fight and the strength she received from her faith in Jesus Christ. She touched many people during this six-year battle. Joan was born on January 19, 1940, the third child of seven in Washington, DC, to parents, Richard Henry and Osie Marie Wheaton, both of whom predeceased her. She grew up in Prince William County, VA, graduating from Osbourn High School in 1959. After traveling with her military husband, since divorced, she returned to the PWC/Manassas area in 1969, where she remained a lifelong resident. She was employed by A & P, then Giant Food store, and retired in 2005. She was a member of St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Haymarket, VA then Grace Life Community Church in Bristow, VA. Joanie, as she was known to family and friends, was an accomplished artist, but rather than profiting from her art, she chose to make them gifts of love to numerous family members and friends. Joanie was an avid reader and civic minded; she prided herself in keeping up with current events and volunteered when she could. She had a deep and abiding love for her country. Joanie is survived by her three children, two sons, Gerard Andrew Dickinson, Jr., of Dallas Texas, John Michael Dickinson of Dallas, Texas, and one daughter, Tracy Lynne Key and her husband, Travis, of Broad Run, VA. She also has two beloved grandsons of Haymarket, VA, Casey and Cody Key, and the light of her life, her great granddaughter, Marissa Key of Haymarket, VA. Also surviving Joanie are her sisters, Betty Jean Dayton and husband, Jim, of Fredericksburg, VA, Ellen Muddiman and husband Ed, of Ophelia, VA, and Patty Easley and husband, Joe, of Nokesville, VA. One brother, Richard Henry Wheaton, Jr., predeceased her, but she is survived by brothers, John Edgar Wheaton and wife Betty, of Orange, VA, and brother Luther Daniel Wheaton and wife Joyce of Manassas, VA. Numerous nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews, many of whom she personally spoiled, also survive her. Capital Caring Hospice of Manassas provided her comfort and care during her last weeks. Other favorite charities of Joanie's are the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition and Samaritan's Purse. Visitation will be held from 6:00-9:00 P.M. on Sunday, December 11, 2011 at Pierce Funeral Home, 9609 Center Street, Manassas where funeral services will be held 11:00 A.M. Monday, December 12, 2011 with Rev. Bob Perdue and Rev. Bob Crewdson officiating. Interment to follow at Woodbine Cemetery, Manassas. Condolences may be sent to www.piercefh.com

Joan Wheaton Dickinson

January 19, 1940 - December 8, 2011