Joan King

Joan was the baby of her family. Growing up, times were hard, but she developed a strong character and will of her own. She has had to face many hardships in her life, but she has battled on against all adversity, always continuing to display great courage and a truly fierce independent nature.

Joan was often heard to say, "If you make your own bed, you lie in it", she certainly never shirked away from that responsibility.

Joan King, beloved, wife, sister, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and aunt, went home to be with the Lord on Friday, September 20, 2013. She was preceded in death by her husband John King Jr. her parents, Norman Andrews and her mother Hattie R. Brunson and siblings , Norman Andrews Jr. (AKA Junior), and David Brunson AKA Dickey).

Joan lived a quiet simple life; to her family, her friends and other people around her she gave much, but asked for very little in return. Our mother was one of the most amazing people we have ever met and will probably ever meet. She spent her life caring for others; she never put herself first. Even when she didn’t have much she was always trying to give that away to her children and grandchildren.

Although she loved all her children and grand children there was one child she had a special attachment to and that was Diquan. She loved him like he was her son, and made everyone else treat him that way too; including his mother. He received a lot of teasing about that over the years, but the special bond of love between the two of them was undeniable.

She was also often a counselor when the times called for it. We knew we could come to her no matter what the reason or circumstance. She would listen for as long as you wanted and give you some of the best advice like “It’s your little red wagon, you can push it or pull it.” “A dog that’ll bring a bone will carry a bone.”, or “If you play with a puppy he’ll lick you in the mouth.”

Joan was born in Hempstead, NY on June 25, 1944 and was educated in the New York City Public School System. She always had a love for education and encouraged all her children and grand children to seek higher education.

She lived most of her life in Queens, New York until about 15 years ago when the death of her husband prompted her move to Maryland to join some of her family that already lived there. Joan didn't have expensive tastes or live a flashy lifestyle, but she knew what was important to her, and that was her family. She was especially proud of her grandchildren and great-grand children. But she was a native New Yorker at heart and there were times when she missed being able to visit her friends and family who lived there.

Joan adjusted to Maryland quickly and joined Mt. Pisgah AME church where she was an active, faithful member. She served on the prison ministry, choir, and participated in mid-week bible study. She even helped with other church related projects when she could.

A couple of years ago she developed a love for the internet and then she discovered Facebook. She would spend hours on Facebook with her new virtual friends, catching up with family and playing online games like Words with Friends or Café World. She loved playing Café World. Every time you would call her on the phone you could hear her cooking in the background.

We loved her with all our heart’s and will truly miss her. She leaves to mourn her sister Mira Mae Walker, from Hackensack , NJ, her daughters, Michelle Lightfoot, Clayton , N.C., Desiree Currington, Spanaway Washington, Theresa Robertson of Columbia Md., Wilhelmina King , of Queens NY, Daneen King, Columbia , Md., and her 15 grandchildren , and more than 21 great grand’s , not to forget a host of nieces nephews , other family members and friends.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.