Obituary of Joan C. Holmes

Joan C. Holmes, passed away peacefully on August 19, 2023. She was surrounded by her loving daughter and devoted sister. Joan was born in Steubenville, Ohio on July 1937, to the late Gatewood C. Fullwood and Velma (Wheeler) Fuller. She was preceded in death by her loving husband Robert L. Holmes, and by her two brothers, Edward Fuller and Howard Fullwood. Joan graduated from Steubenville High School and completed her first year of college at the university of Akron. In 1956, she married Robert L. Holmes Together, they had a son, Darnell and a daughter, Valerie. They lived in Weirton, WV for several years and then moved to Berlin, NJ in 1962. With teenage children, Joan worked at Teledyne Electronics while also attending Camden County College, from which she received an associate degree. She later attended Glassboro State College (now Rowan University), receiving a B.A. degree in Elementary Education. She had also enrolled in the Penn Literacy program offered by University of Pennsylvania. Joan was employed by the Winslow Township Board of Education and taught elementary school for over 35 years, where she was the only African American teacher for much of her tenure. She also continued to substitute teach for several years after her 2008 retirement. Additionally, she was the project district lead for the Winslow Educational and Remedial Assistance Program that tutored students (grades 4 to 6) in reading and math. During her extensive teaching career, Joan Received numerous accolades, honors and certificates for her outstanding teaching skills. Some of those recognitions are: Who's Who Among American Teaching, Winslow Township Teacher of the Year, Career in Education Excellence. Throughout her life, Joan dedicated much of her time serving on various committees for her Church and other professional or community organizations, including Minority Involvement of Winslow Township Teachers Education Association, church new letter, Womens and Childrens Civic Center of Florence Estates, Florence Volunteer Fire Company (Florence Community Hall), and the Association of the study of Afro-American Life and History (ASALH). Joan was faithful and dedicated member of First Baptist Church of Florence Estates. She was a member of the choir and regularly attended Bible study, as well as served on the Womens Day committee, the church Anniversary committee and the Scholarship committee. When she was unable to physically attended church, she would remotely participate via the televised service. She openly shared her belief and devotion to her faith. In her Leisure time, Joan greatly enjoyed traveling, especially taking cruises. Over the years, she has visited Aruba, Curacao, Saint Thomas, St Martin, Grand Cayman, Jamaica, Barbados, various Mexico Locations, Austria, Russia, Norway and many other exciting destinations. She also liked to play pinochle with friends and Family, as well as enjoyed gardening. Along with hosting many family dinners in new Jersey, Joan very frequently visited her brother, sisters, nieces, nephews and cousins back in Steubenville, Ohio, especially Durning holidays. We will always recall our ''Little BIG sisters infections laugh, her wise counsel. her famous macaroni and cheese, her personal drive and high energy. She is one of a kind! Joan is very much loved by her family and dear friends. She will be truly missed but never far from our hearts and memories. On to your next journey! She leaves to cherish her memory: her daughter Valerie Holmes-White (Harvey) of Marlton, New Jersey, son Darnell Holmes of Berlin, New Jersy, two brothers James Fullwood (*Gerri) and Michael Fullwood (Kim), three sisters Janice Fullwood, Michele Solomon, Christina Smith, four grandchildren Sachem Homes (Fay), Harvey White Jr. , Isaac White (Kim), Alicia White, two great grandchildren Elijah and Josiah: and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family and close friends.