Joan (Jody) Damerst, 75, went home to Jesus on Monday, January 29, 2024.
She was born in Wilkes-Barre. She went to Forty Fort High School and then went to Mansfield State College, Mansfield, PA where she met her husband, Jeffrey Damerst, who survives. She first moved to Emporium, but later moved to St. Marys where she lived for 44 years. She was active in Girl Scouts in St. Marys for years. She worked at a social worker for the Ridgway and St. Marys Head Start programs for over 20 years. She was also in charge of the Fresh Air Program for several years where kids from New York City came out to this area for a week or two.
After retiring, she self-published six Christian novels. She was very active at the Faith Baptist Church on West Creek Road in St. Marys. She taught Sunday school for 40 years, led the church worship music for a few years, and then taught sign language for over 20 years. She was also invited to the State Correctional Institution, Albion, PA to instruct 20 inmates sign language for 10 weeks in 2016 so they could communicate with deaf inmates.
She is survived by her husband, Jeffrey and enjoyed the 53 years that they were married.
She is predeceased by her parents, Harry and Gladys Bryant of Forty Fort, PA, a brother-in-law, Parker Roberts of Hendersonville, NC and two grandchildren, Cherish and Tiah Damerst of Richburg, NY.
She is survived by two sisters, Judy Fredrick and her husband, Daniel of Hendersonville, NC and Janet Clark and her husband, Douglas of Binghamton, NY. She is also survived by four children, Stephen Damerst of Richburg, NY, Richard Damerst of St. Marys, PA, Rebecca Salada and her husband, Adam of Ephrata, PA and Grace Long and her husband, Matthew of Lancaster, PA.
She is survived by grandchildren, Destini Damerst and her daughter, Kelsey of Friendship, NY, Tristen Damerst of St. Marys, Arianna Long and Carl Long of Lancaster, PA and Jacob Salada, and Bethany Salada of Ephrata, PA.
A Memorial Serve will be held at a later date when family and friends can gather at the Faith Baptist Church on West Creek Road to celebrate her life.
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