Joan was born to the union of Dewey and Dorothy Robertson on March 23, 1936 in Ripley, TN. She later moved to St. Louis, MO where she met and married the love of her life, John Thompson. This marriage produced six children; Walter Robertson of Fresno, CA, Robert (Esther) Thompson, Doris Wilson, Connie Odom, Sandra (Charles) Simmons of San Antonio, TX, and Tonya Thompson.
Joan relocated her family to Akron, OH in the mid 60’s and immediately gained employment at St. Edwards Nursing Home in Fairlawn where she dedicated 38 years of excellent service before retiring.
The matriarch of her family and a woman of faith, like Moses she ruled with a rod in her hand. She’d often say, “I’m the captain of this ship!” Joan was named “TJ” which meant “Terrible Joe” on the North side and “Tough Joe” in West Akron because she stood for what was right and commanded respect.
She loved to cook for her family and made the best sweet potato pies, greens, and black eyed peas on this side of heaven and she knew it! She also handmade Barbie Doll clothes which she found to be relaxing. Joan sang a beautiful rendition of, “Somewhere Over The Rainbow” which should have been recorded & released. LOL
Joan was proceeded in death by her parents Dewey & Dorothy, her husband John, her brothers Dewey, Willie, Howard, Johnny and Arthur West.
She leaves to cherish her memory her children Walter, Robert, Doris, Connie, Sandra and Tonya, great-granddaughter Tyme Thompson, her sister Louise Stovall, brother Eugene West, her 30 grandchildren Angela, Shondre, Elmer III, La Tosha, Karessa, Marquita, Kashona, Keith Jr., Terence, Tyrece, Terrick, Dorsanya, Tymaine, Nigel, Robert, Terricka, Tykeshia, Niah, Shontee, Tyren, Terron, Michael, Tavion, Tanaya, Teion, Tyeshia, Teionte, Chris, Derrick, and Rhonda.
She also leaves a host of great grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family Maggie Colvin, Evelyn Lee, Edith Johnson, Denise Johnson, Jeanette Easley and Sara Mitchell, her honorary daughters Alice Lamb, Karen Vader, Doreen Robbins, Patricia West and Sharon Ferrell. A special thank you to Grandma Jeanette Easley for her loyal devotion and Third Floor ICU nurse, Jodi.
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