Joan Marie Jackson Stanley

Joan Marie Jackson Stanley, the second child of Wallace Webb and Mary Catherine Jackson, was born on June 9, 1928, in Columbus, Ohio. She attended public schools in Springfield, Ohio and graduated with honors from Fisk University in 1948. While at Fisk, she pledged Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., and lived to become a Diamond member.

As a child, Joan was very studious and enjoyed playing school by teaching her older brother, Jackie, and younger sister, Lois. She aspired to be first in her classes.  However, her sister, Lois, soon exhibited a musical talent that transcended hers. Joan nurtured her love and passion for music throughout her life.

At age twelve, she accepted Christ as her Personal Savior. During her teenage years at Second Baptist Church, she served as a teacher and secretary of the Sunday school.

Upon graduation from Fisk, she received a Master of Science degree from The Ohio State University. A series of teaching assignments included Talladega College, Lincoln University in Jefferson City, Missouri and Delaware State College.

While at the University of Cincinnati in pursuit of a Ph.D. degree in biology, she met Thomas Stanley, who was also a graduate student at the University of Cincinnati. Their courtship culminated in a marriage that lasted forty-six years until his demise in 2003. Joan and Thomas adopted the theme from the Book of Ruth for the wedding and the North Star of their union. “Thy people shall be my people and thy God, my God.”

To this union were born three beloved sons, Thomas, John and William. Prior to her husband’s transfer to Washington, D.C. to serve as a chemist with then NAPCA, the precursor of the Environmental Protection Agency, Joan taught biology at the acclaimed Walnut Hills High School in Cincinnati, Ohio. Working with students who were programmed for success proved to be one of the most rewarding and challenging experiences in her life.

While in Washington, D.C., Joan taught at Cardozo High School and retired in 1993. Some of the friendships cultivated at Walnut Hills and Cardozo were cherished and resumed until her demise.

Joan’s love of music was evidenced by her support of the Music Aid Circle and her participation in the Music and Arts Committee at Peoples Congregational United Church of Christ in Washington, D.C. She was committed to support entities that embodied the Mission of the church. Joan was an Honorary Life Member of the American Association of University Women. She got her Wings on July 11, 2025.

Joan was the devoted mother of Thomas (Paula), John (Lori) and William (Cheryl): Adored Grandmother of Illana, Yemonja, Cedar, Orunmila, Eric, Tara, Jamil, Mansur, Yasin, Wali and Ishmael: Great-Grandmother of Amina, Kadir, Asaad, Abebe´, Ayaan, Amira, Blaire, Violet, and Mira Joan.

She is survived by loving Nieces: Joan, Catherine, Kathryn, Natalie, Benita, Sharon and Sheryl. Nephews: Myron, Andre, Victor and Mark, as well as other relatives and friends.

A private Celebration of Life service is scheduled for 1:30pm - 2:30pm on Saturday, September 6, 2025 at Arbor Terrace Fulton, 11584 Scaggsville Road, Fulton, MD 20759, Third Floor – Rocky Gorge Room.