Joy Wilma Littleton passed away on June 23, 2023. Formidable though she was, lung cancer did what it does- took her body from her, and her extraordinary spirit from all who love her in this world. Joy was born on Jan. 21, 1963 to Sandra Faulkner Littleton and Gene Littleton at Seaford Hospital.
She graduated from Laurel High School (1981). She studied briefly at the University of Delaware, then at Moore College of Art & Design (BFA,1986), and Delaware State University (MFA, 2012). She taught art in the Brandywine School District from 1990 to 2018. She also taught for Moore’s Young Artist Workshop from 1986 to 1990, and for the Delaware County Community College Photography Department from 1980 to 2010.
As both an artist (photographer and ceramicist) and a teacher, she was an embodiment of the saying that “Art saves lives.” She was perfectly named and found joy in teaching, in clay, in seeing and recording the world in photos, in beaches, in her remarkably large and loving circle of friends, in travel, in live music and dancing like nobody and everybody could see, in her two cats, her garden, and in her beloved nephew Cameron. She lived vividly, creatively, generously, and without expending much energy on rules and the opinions of people she didn’t respect—”Don’t postpone joy!” was a favorite adage.
She died peacefully in her much-loved home, watched over by people who loved her, and cared for ferociously by her sister, Gina Edness, who survives her, along with Gina’s son Cameron Edness.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations in Joy’s name to Bellefonte Arts at 803-C Brandywine Blvd., Bellefonte, DE 19809 or the Pottery Center at Absalom Jones Center, 310 Kiamenski Road, Wilmington, DE 19804. A date, time, and location for a celebration of Joy’s life will be announced later.