WILMINGTON — Frances Joanne Summerlin, age 84 of Wilmington, NC, died Friday, January 6, 2023. She was born on June 21, 1938 to the late Herman I. Summerlin, Sr. and Frances Capps Summerlin. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother Herman I. Summerlin, Jr. (wife Frances B. Summerlin), and dear friend Brenda Benton, whose friendship spanned more than half a century.
She is survived by her niece Patti Summerlin Allen, great-nephews Ralph “Trey” Neville III (wife Kelly) and Brett Neville (wife Heather, daughter Dallas), and great-niece Courtney Allen (daughter Alayna). After graduating from New Hanover High School, Joanne was a valued employee of Southern Bell (now AT&T) and retired after more than 30 years of service.
She had a passion for music and would travel far and wide from Sneads Ferry to Wilmington or Oak Island to hear live performances by her musician friends. She loved living in coastal NC and everything that went with it, including boating, fishing, clamming, and trying her hand at various recipes. Joanne was a connoisseur of many things, a collector of countless treasures, and one to never miss out on a good find or bargain.
The family will receive guests on Thursday, January 12 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Coble Funeral and Cremation located at 1155 Shipyard Blvd. in Wilmington with a graveside service to immediately follow at Oleander Memorial Gardens.
