JoAnn Sweetman

JoAnn ‘Smokey’ Sweetman, 74, of Newark, DE, passed away December 6, 2011 at Christiana Hospital.

Born in Skelton, WV on November 1, 1937, JoAnn was the daughter of the late Joseph Charles and Wanda C. Walker DeHart. She was active throughout her life in the Firefighters Ladies Auxiliary at the local, county and state levels. She was a life member of Aetna Hose Hook and Ladder Company Ladies Auxiliary with 40 years of service and served as President of the organization from 1972-1977, she also served as President of New Castle County Firefighters Ladies Auxiliary (1980-82) and President of the Delaware State Firefighters Association Ladies Auxiliary (1990-91).

She also served on numerous committees and held various offices in these organizations. She enjoyed bowling and had a huge collection of angels and lighthouses. Smokey will be remembered as a truly generous person who loved to serve. Family was most important to Smokey and she will be remembered as the center of her family and a devoted wife, mother and grandmother.

She is survived by her husband of 50 years, Robert G. Sweetman of Newark; a son Rob Sweetman and his wife Tracy of Newark; 3 grandchildren, Kyle, Kaitlyn and Courtney and a great grandchild Caleigh. She also leaves behind four brothers, Charles, Willard (Tommy), Roger and Larry DeHart and 5 sisters, Carolyn Richmond, Nancy Humbertson, Marie Graves, Robin York and Lisa Pierson as well numerous nieces, nephews, family and friends.

A service honoring her life will be held at Aetna Hose Hook and Ladder Company Station 8, 400 Ogletown, Rd., Newark, DE 19711 on Wednesday December 14, 2011 at 11:30 a.m. with a visitation Tuesday December 13 from 6-8 pm and Wednesday from 10:30 – 11:30 am at Station 8. Burial will be in Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery.