Joan Irene Flanary

Joan Irene Flanary died peacefully at the grand age of 91 on February 26, 2023.

She was born on February 4, 1932 in Coventry, Warwickshire, England, to Percival Phillips and Catherine Ada Griffiths. She attended schools in England, majoring in Art and Music at the Royal Academy.

Joan came to America for a visit in 1956, met and subsequently married LTJG Thomas Neale Flanary, US Navy, in Washington DC. She traveled with her husband throughout his Naval service. They had two children, Robin Neale Flanary and Paul Neale Flanary; four grandchildren, Ian and Emma Flanary of Maryland, and Kaitlyn and Jessica Flanary of Texas; and one great-grand child, Livy Draper of Texas. In addition, she leaves behind family members in Wales and England. Throughout her life, Joan worked as a volunteer for Naval Hospitals, Navy Relief Society and the American Lung Association, and represented her husband at official naval and congressional functions at his various commands. She also volunteered at her children's elementary schools in the library. When they settled in Williamsburg for retirement, she was employed by the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation.

Joan was a loving, supportive, and caring wife, mother, and delighted in her role as grandmumum. Her love for art and music continued and she became an accomplished artist in various mediaexamples of which hang throughout her home, her children's homes, and the homes of her many friends. She lived out her years after the death of her husband independently, with the help of her village of friends and family at Patriots Colony, in Williamsburg. She will be greatly missed by all. A visitation will be held Tuesday, March 7, 2023 at St. Bede Catholic Church, 3686 Ironbound Rd., Williamsburg from 11:00am – 12:00pm. The service will follow immediately at 12:00pm. Condolences may be shared at www.NelsenWilliamsburg.com.