JoAnne Sanders Langley
DARLINGTON — JoAnne Sanders Langley is the widow of her beloved Coit Wilburn Langley, husband of 51 years. Born in Darlington, she was the daughter of Herbert Pleasant Sanders and Louise Hawkins Sanders. She has two daughters, Tina (Allen) Lambert of Surfside Beach and Terri (Scott) DuBose of Darlington. The “apples of her eye” were her grandchildren Charles Allen (Cal) Lambert Jr. and Rachel Lambert, both of Knoxville, Tenn., and Langley DuBose of Charleston. They referred to her affectionately as their “Mema.” JoAnne was educated in the Darlington school system where she excelled as a student. She married her high school sweetheart, Coit Langley. They remained in Darlington where they built their lives and family. JoAnne began her work career at a young age at the Darlington Dry Cleaner’s, her family’s business. She carried her work ethic throughout her life while working in the legal field and later as a congressional aide for Congressman Robin Tallon and John Spratt. While serving in this capacity, she was able to help numerous people, which gave her a feeling of immeasurable joy. She loved meeting with members of the community, and she often took a personal interest in helping constituents with obstacles they faced. Outside of her work and family life she was community oriented. JoAnne was a longtime member of the Pilot Club, serving as president. She was a member of the First Baptist Church, where she taught Sunday School for over 25 years and also sang in the choir. She was a member of the National Guard women’s auxiliary while her husband was deployed in Desert Storm. She volunteered time at the local Free Medical Clinic in her retirement. She loved animals fiercely and supported the ASPCA and Nature Conservancy for years. She had a love for decorating, flowers, jewelry, and her many treasured dogs! She had an unmistakable sense of style. She adored her husband, and often talked fondly about the trips they took together. She was proud of the home they made, decorating it fondly to their tastes. Surviving in addition to her immediate family are siblings Shirley (Charles) Nicholson of Hartsville, McIver “Mack” Sanders of Darlington, David (Elizabeth) Sanders of Florence, Deborah Hardee of Darlington, and Brenda (Mike) McGrath of Spartanburg. Also surviving are her brother-in-law, James (Mary) Langley; and sisters-in-law, Delores L. Privette, Patricia (Bill) Hobbs, Barbara (Greg) Psillos, and many nieces and nephews; her sons-in-law, Allen Lambert and Scott DuBose. A graveside service was held Nov. 20 at Grove Hill Cemetery, directed by Belk Funeral Home. A special thanks to her sons-in-law, Allen Lambert and Scott Dubose for their exceptional care, love and time they gave to Joanne during this difficult illness. It will never be forgotten. Contributions made to a Free Medical Clinic and Humane Society of your choice. Thanks to those who always offered a helpful hand and visits during her difficult illness. To all the hospice family, our families appreciate your loving care that you gave our mother. She suffered from a terrible illness, but she maintained the essence of her spirit until she passed. Through her illness she taught our family that you can maintain dignity even in difficult circumstances. As she got sick, she allowed her girls and sons-in-laws to care for her, and she added laughter and conversation to their houses. These words will offer hope to those who too may face this disease. Communication is the key to effective care and treatment, while compassion will help you feel as they feel, and always remember to preserve their dignity. A guestbook is available online at www.belkfuneralhome.com.
