Joan B. Shavers

Joan Beatrice Rideout Shavers, family matriarch, a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and most importantly a Woman of God, left behind her earthly residence to enter her forever mansion in the sky. God summoned his death angel to whisper in her ears on Sunday morning, June 11, 2023 where she transitioned peacefully at her daughter Crystal’s home in Raleigh, NC. Joan, affectionately called “Joanie”, was the daughter of the late William “Buddy” Rideout and Mary Holmes Rideout, born on December 22,1941 in Chester, Pennsylvania. She was educated in the Chester Public School System and was a graduate of the Chester High School Class of 1959. That same year she was joined in holy matrimony to the late James W. B. Shavers and from this union, four daughters were born. Joan’s passion was for people, especially children. So it is of no surprise that she would go on to also raise a great-nephew and adopt 3 of the many children she had fostered over the years, becoming part of the Shavers family nest. Serving others, especially the least of God’s children fueled her spirit. She truly walked in her calling and purpose doing the work of a missionary. She had a heart of gold and her home was always open to feed the hungry, provide a safe haven for the homeless and always provided transportation for anyone in need. She was the “Original UBER”, Free of Charge. She lived the Biblical commandment, to “Love thy neighbor as thyself” and one of her many sayings was, “if I can help somebody, then my living shall not be in vain”. For her it was better to give than to receive and she did not expect anything in return. Joan was a faithful member of God’s House of Prayer and Repair under the pastorage of Mary E. “Blessed” Williams. She served as Missionary President for 20 years, was a member of the Stewardess Ministry, Revive Care Nurses Ministry, the Women’s Ministry and head of the Kitchen Committee. She was passionate about her role as the Missionary President. She tirelessly led the Thanksgiving and Christmas food basket drive, going to the ends of the earth finding “turkeys” for those in need. Everyone knew, you could always find food at Miss Joan’s home. Her life’s motto was, “To treat people like you want to be treated.” During her life she worked several jobs. Her last place of employment was the Pennsylvania State University Extension Service as a nutrition advisor for 35 years. This job led to her life’s mission, giving her the opportunity to work with adults and children throughout the Chester community and its surrounding areas. She also taught boys and girls the art of cooking. And occasionally she would run into one of her 4H students and they would often reminisce about the good ol’ days in Miss Joanie’s cooking class. In retirement, Joan served as a hospice volunteer for 12 years with CKHS, Crozer Keystone Health System Hospice until her health sidelined her. Joan was preceded in death by one brother, William Reed, three sisters Rosetta Jones, Anna Holmes, and Arnina Young, one Granddaughter, Caryana Dorsey and one Godson, Clifford Hicks. She leaves to cherish her legacy of love and precious memories: Five daughters, Marie “Toni” Shavers of Chester, PA, Crystal Shavers-Moses of Raleigh, NC, Etta Dorsey (Gregory, Sr) of Wilmington, DE, Joy Shavers-Roberts of New Castle, DE, and Awa Shavers of Philadelphia, PA; Three sons, David Jones (Dawn) of Greenbackville, VA, Leon Shavers of Chester, PA, and Christopher Shavers of Chester, PA; one Sister Carrie Maxwell (Clarence) of Tampa, FL; 19 Grandchildren: 31 Great Grandchildren, 1 Great-Great Grandchild, Godchildren: Deborah Simpkins (Donald), Samuel Shavers, Crystal Isaac and John Freeman. Special sister-in-love, Annette Burton, a host of special nieces, nephews, cousins and a circle of dear friends. God has divinely blessed us to have Joan’s presence in our lives. She fought a good fight and now has won. We recognize it was “Not our will, but God’s will,” taking her from labor to her reward.

Joan B. Shavers

December 22, 1941 - June 11, 2023