Joan Davidson Corless

CORLESS, Joan Davidson of Washington Twp. passed away on Friday, February 6, 2015. She was born April 1, 1931 to the late David and Elizabeth James Davidson of Akron, Ohio. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Robert Warren Corless, her brother James Davidson, “great” aunt “Ginny” and the rest of the James girls Margaret, Dorothy, Cecilia and Uncle John James. She is survived by nephews and nieces Jim Davidson of Akron Ohio; Richard Corless (Kathryn), Rebecca Jaber ( ), Robert Corless, and Randi Corless all of Atlanta, Georgia and grand nieces and nephews. She is also survived by special cousins Tom Gates (Dawn) of Akron, Ohio, Brian Warden (Phyllis) of New Boston, Michigan, and Brenda Stanko of Birmingham, Michigan.Others left to mourn her loss include Amy Buroke (Mark),Lisa Humble, Christine Stephenson (Jamie) and Barbara Fiant, special friends Marion and Nell Petry, Michael and Poleena Greely, special neighbor Helena Gerrard and special caregiver Irina Nikitenko.Joan graduated from Garfield High School and Akron University and began her career in education teaching at Kenmore High School. She was a dedicated educator and throughout her career she taught at Trotwood High School, worked as a curriculum specialist for the Montgomery County Educational Service Center and Huber Heights City Schools. She received her Master’s Degree from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. She was an adjunct instructor for the University of Dayton and in retirement she served Oakwood City Schools, coordinated volunteers for the Booneshoft Museum, was a member of the Dayton Women’s Club, and taught at Sheldon Jackson College in Sitka, Alaska. As a young girl Joan was a Worthy Advisor for the Order of Rainbow Girls and danced in many recitals. She and husband Bob were stationed in Germany where she taught English to soldiers on base, traveled Europe extensively with Bob, and later relocated to the greater Dayton area. She continued her love of travel and visited Russia and revisited Europe. She supported the theater and the arts by being involved in Community Theater in Trotwood, and regularly attended music and theatre performances. She had an active volunteer life that included The Philharmonic Show House, the Greek Festival, Southminster Presbyterian Church and political efforts and causes in her community. She enjoyed playing bridge, participating in her sorority events, and her time at their cottage at Indian Lake.Joan was a charitable woman who donated to many causes and organizations. She was a woman of faith and especially enjoyed participating in the Kirking of the Tartans at Southminster Presbyterian Church. She will be remembered as a woman of conscience and generosity of spirit. She had a “true north” moral compass and was a woman of many accomplishments. She believed in always doing whatever she could to make the world a better place. The family will receive friends from 12:00 pm, until time of service, at 1:00 pm on Friday, February 13, 2015 at TOBIAS FUNERAL HOME-FAR HILLS CHAPEL, 5471 Far Hills Ave. at Rahn Rd. Interment will be in Rose Hill Cemetery, Fairlawn, OH on Monday, February 16, 2015. In lieu of flowers she can be honored and remembered by community volunteer efforts and/or donations to the Salvation Army. Online condolences may be sent to www.tobiasfuneralhome.com.