Obituary of Joan Marie Dean Grinnage

Joan Marie Dean Grinnage was born on January 3, 1939, in Laurens, South Carolina t Johnie and Marie Dean. Her parents migrated to the North Philadelphia community and began to raise Joan and her sister, Rosilyn, in a strong Christian home and rooted in service to Bright Hope Baptist Church. Their home was filled with warmth and love. They expanded their family to serve as a guardian to two sister, Gwendolyn and Sylvia to serve as a college sponsor to Thomas, and orphaned teen. This foundation in Christian love shaped Joan's character throughout her life. Joan brought kindness, consideration, patience, and joy to the world , until she was called home as a faithful and humble servant of the Lord on November 28, 2020. Joan was encouraged by her parents and her Bright Hope Baptist Church family to focus on her studies in education. Joan attended Philadelphia Public Schools and graduated from Kensington High School in 1956. She proudly became a member of Bright Hope Baptist Church's first class of college students. Joan completed her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Delaware State College in 1961. During Joan's freshman year at Delaware State College, she met her forever friends at Tubman Hall and her future husband John W. Grinnage, Jr. while on campus. They were married on March 21, 1964 and later had two children, Tracye and Andre. Their home in Willingboro, NJ, was filled with laughter and love; where she enjoyed spending time with her family, neighbors, and friends. Joan was a fierce advocate of education. She spent much of her 32-year career as a first-grade teacher at Ferguson Elementary School in the Philadelphia School District. Joan loved her students and believed that every child had the ability to learn in the Norris Square community. She taught several generations of children and their children. When asked whether she would seek a transfer to another community, she replied: "No, wherever my students are, that's where I'm going. Joan was a committed lifelong learner. She consumed volumes of books and participated in various book clubs. She was a patron of the arts and enjoyed concerts and Broadway shows. She trekked across four continents, seeing the wonder of the world. Her bus trips gave her the opportunity to learn more about every region of the United States. Social action is another area of Joan's lifelong commitments. As a member of the youth ministry, she served as a typist for Dr. Martin L. King, Jr. when he cam to Bright Hope Baptist Church, his home base in Philadelphia. She also knocked on doors to register voters in the church neighborhood. This inspired her to continue to register and educate voters through her work with Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. where she was awarded the Golden Life Member. Overall, Joan lived with her heart open to everyone. She was your SUPERFAN. Whatever you needed, she provided support. She treasured you, and that was a blessing to all. Joan leaves to cherish her memory: Her husband John W. Grinnage, Jr.; daughter, Trayce Grinnage Edwards; her son, Andre Grinnage; and her beloved Gwendolyn Porter and Thomas Washington. She will be missed by her four grandchildren, Ariel, Taye, Xavier, and Andre along with a host of in-laws, nieces, nephews, and cousins. The circle of life remains unbroken.