Joan Coursey

Mickey’s Story: Joan Elizabeth Coursey, affectionately known as “Mickey” was born on February 26, 1945, in Newark, Delaware to the late Anna Mildred Smith and Howard Joseph Earl Sr. Joan transitioned peacefully to her heavenly home on April 15, 2025. Mickey received her early education at Iron Hill Elementary School in Newark, Delaware. She then went on to complete her education at Louis L. Redding School in Middletown, Delaware. Mickey dedicated 30 years of service to the University of Delaware, where she built a respected career through hard work and commitment. She retired with pride, having left a lasting impression on her colleagues and friends alike. After her retirement from the University of Delaware she went back to work for a number of years for The Delaware Division of Visually Impaired. After she fully retired, she settled into what mattered most to her; deepening her walk with God and staying rooted in her faith. She had a strong faith and deep love for family, church, and gospel music. Worship brought her peace and joy. Mickey loved sharing stories from her childhood, laughing with family, quoting scriptures, and singing along to her favorite songs, her spirit filling the room. Mickey loved church and her church family loved her as well. She was a member of our family church: St. Daniels AUME located in Iron Hill, Delaware and Abundant Life Worship Center located in Elkton, Maryland. The eldest daughter of eleven siblings, Mickey was a steady presence and a true matriarch in every sense of the word. She carried that role with quiet strength, deep compassion, and a love that knew no bounds. Her home and heart were always open, and she touched every generation of her family with her warmth and wisdom. Beyond her role as a mother and grandmother, Mickey was the thread that kept generations close. She played a vital role on every family reunion committee, making sure our traditions stayed alive and everyone stayed connected. Whether it was organizing fundraisers, placing t-shirt orders, booking the venue, or peeling potatoes for hours alongside her sister Judy, she poured love into every detail. Mickey didn’t just show up for family, she made sure family showed up for each other, year after year. She was preceded in death by her parents, Anna Smith and Howard Earl Sr., and her siblings Howard Earl Jr., Stanley Earl, Robert Earl Sr., Ronald Earl, and Jacqueline Earl She leaves to cherish her memories, son, James Earl (Siggi); daughter, June Webster (Tyrone Amos); and son, Jerome Webster; her grandchildren: Tyra Webster, Sabrina Earl, Dr. Shonda Waller, Jernae Turner, and her great-grandchildren: Morgan Watts and Tyzell Washington. She is also survived by her siblings, sisters, Darlene Stevenson, Valerie Earl, Linda Collins (Gerald), and brother, Wyatt Earl, along with a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, and lifelong friends. As we will truly miss her, find comfort in knowing that she was a gift from God. Her love, laughter, and light will continue to live on in all of us. Her legacy is one of faith, family, and the kind of strength that only comes from a life well-lived.

Joan Coursey

February 26, 1945 - April 15, 2025