On July 19, 2026, after a brave battle with cancer, Jo Ann Blades met the Savior she faithfully loved and served. She was born on Oct. 21, 1941, to the late William Lee Littleton and Hilda Morris Littleton. Born and raised in Laurel, Jo graduated from Laurel High School in 1959.

During her senior year of high school, Jo met the love of her life, Richard (Dicky) Blades. Jo had committed her life to Jesus Christ many years previously and was instrumental in Richard’s personal salvation and the life of ministry the two would share for decades.

They married on April 16, 1960, and resided in Laurel for the early years of their marriage. Some years later, Jo faithfully followed Richard to Clarks Summit, Pa., where he attended Baptist Bible College in preparation for a life of full-time ministry. Jo was a skilled secretary and was employed throughout their time in Pennsylvania by Baptist Bible School of Theology.

After graduating from college, Richard moved their family to Georgetown as pastor of Calvary Baptist Church. Jo was an exemplary pastor’s wife and lovingly ministered alongside Richard for 45 years. Among the many tasks she faithfully performed were church secretary, ladies Sunday school teacher, meal and program organizer, home and hospital visits, and most estimably as a prayer warrior for her family, both physical and spiritual.

Through all the phases of their life, Jo was a dedicated and loving homemaker. She was an excellent cook and opened her home to countless people and family over the years. She was also quite proficient at embroidery, knitting, and crocheting, often seen with a needle in her hand. Every baby born at the church or in her family was gifted with a very sweet blanket or sweater.

Jo was a great example of a true “help meet” to Richard and ministered to innumerable people by his side. She was an invaluable wife, mother and pastor’s wife. Proverbs 31:28

“Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her.”

Jo was preceded in death by her loving husband of over 62 years, Richard Blades.

She is survived by her children, Traci J. Makowski and her husband, Michael of Georgetown and Jami L. Kaiser and her husband, Scott of Georgetown; her grandchildren, Jeremy P. Makowski also of Georgetown, Jesse T. Makowski and his wife, Kimberly of Milton, Drew R. Kaiser and his wife, Eva of Guam, and Makenzi Jo Kaiser of Scranton, Pa.; her great-grandchildren, Keller and Madden Makowski also of Milton and Grayson, Lincoln, Isla, Dessie, and Ruby Kaiser also of Guam; her sisters, Dixie Baker of Seaford and Rita Powell and husband, Don (Dr.) of Jacksonville, Fla. and brother, Ed Littleton and his wife, Linda of Bridgeville.

Jo loved her family deeply and will be missed immeasurably, but we share the blessed hope of our reunion one day together with Jesus Christ for eternity.

A funeral service will be held at noon on Saturday, Aug. 1 at Short Funeral Services, 609 E. Market Street, Georgetown, DE, where friends and family are invited to attend with a viewing from 10:30 a.m. to noon. Interment will be private.

Online condolences or tributes are welcome for the family at www.shortfuneralservicesandcremation.com.