Joan Dobbins

Joan Dobbins, 89, was called home to be with the Lord Thursday evening, October 19, 2023. Joan was born April 17, 1934, in Lockney, West Virginia. Joan graduated from Normantown High School in 1952. She was married to the love of her life, Melvin Dobbins, and their 71-year marriage was an example of their deep abiding love for each other. They were never apart when they could be together. It all started with a Christmas card that Joan sent to Melvin that turned his heart towards hers.

Joan settled with Melvin in Oberlin in 1954. She was employed at Worthington Ball company until her firstborn arrived, then devoted her life to maintaining a home and raising her children. She was a founding member of Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church along with her husband and remained a faithful member for the rest of her life.

Joan leaves behind a legacy of dedication, kindness, and love of her Lord, her family, and friends. She will be dearly missed by her all those who knew her. May her memory be a guiding light, reminding us to live with purpose and to love unconditionally.

She is survived by her husband, Melvin Dobbins: her children, Michael, Karen, Annette, and Melvin Jr, 21 Grandchildren, 25 Great-Grandchildren, and brother Jerry (Sue) Duelley of LaGrange.

She was preceded in death by her son, Larry Dobbins, father, Jennings Duelley; mother Cotha (Richards) and stepfather Ray Cunningham; brothers, Russell, Bernard and Dayton Duelley, and sisters, Mary (John) Snyder, Juanita Williams (Robert), Jean Blake (Jack) and Annalee Dobbins (Elvin).

The family will receive friends at Mount Pisgah Baptist Church,39888 Parsons Rd. Grafton at 12 PM on Monday October 23, 2023.

Funeral services will be at 1 PM and burial will follow in the Mount Pisgah Cemetery, Grafton.

The family sends thanks to Western Reserve Hospice for their amazing support. A special thanks to Bethany and Denise for their love and care. In lieu of flowers, the family suggest contributions be made in memory of Joan to the Western Reserve Hospice group or the Mount Pisgah Baptist Church.

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