Joan Marie Best White went home peacefully to be with her heavenly Father on August 31, 2013 at 8:40 a.m. She is survived by her husband and best friend Allen White. Her loving son Andre preceded her in death on August 15, 2013.
Joan was born on December 10, 1951 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the youngest child of the late Nora M. (Miller) Best and Delton A. Best, Sr. Joan was educated in the Philadelphia School System and graduated from Germantown High School. During her early years the family of Harold and Pearl Frazier were an intricate part of her life. She spent many significant moments with them and cherished the special bond created during that time together. On September 10, 1968, Joan was blessed with the birth of her son, Andre Sean Best White.
While working at Gulf Oil Company, Joan met and fell in love with her best friend, Allen White. On June 23, 1979, surrounded by family and friends the two were joined together in holy matrimony at Mount Zion Baptist Church in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. After Allen received a promotion the family relocated to Warwick, Rhode Island. Joan was employed at Brown University for 24 years before leaving and pursuing other employment. Following her heart, Joan worked at various schools for the Providence Public School District. Her most recent and fulfilling job was working with the children and staff at Nathan Bishop Middle School.
Joan saw herself as a nice, kind, and caring person. People could see these qualities in her as well. She could be a little mischievous. Joan had a flair for fashion and style and a presence in a room full of people. She was a little shy and did not like to be in large crowds. Joan was a loving and devoted wife. She was comfortable around her family and friends and loved them dearly. Once you met Joan you were a friend forever. She enjoyed entertaining, was a great organizer, an avid reader and a fashionista. Her collection of hats was her pride and joy. In her quest to find a permanent place to worship, she joined Sheldon Street Church. She became an involved member of the congregation participating in various activities including the annual tea party.
Joan leaves cherished memories to her devoted and loyal husband Allen; two grandchildren: Alexis White, DeShawn Ivey; sister, Willa M. Graham; brother, Delton A. Best, Jr.; mother-in-law, Alean White; brothers-in-law, Luther (Gloria) White, Kenneth (Rita) White and a host of relatives and special friends.
Calling hours Thursday, September 5, 2013 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. in the Thomas & Walter Quinn Funeral Home, 2435 Warwick Ave., Warwick. Funeral service Friday, September 6, 2013 at 10 a.m. in the Sheldon Street Church, 51 Sheldon Street, Providence, RI 02906. Burial will be in the Rhode Island Veterans’ Cemetery, Exeter. Flowers are welcome or donations to the Sheldon Street Church will be appreciated. Information and condolences, visit TheQuinnFuneralHome.com.
