August 22 2019: DEAN, Joan Patricia Black

Joan Patricia Black Dean (Age 86)

On Saturday, July 20, 2019, of Potomac, MD.  Survived by her children Michael Patrick Dean and Michaela Patricia Dean Huelbig (Rich); her grandchildren, Miles Coleman, Mary-Riley C. Huelbig and Alexander R. Huelbig; her siblings, Sheila Black Zuhusky and James Black. Predeceased in death by her parents, Gertrude and William Black of Rhode Island; her siblings, Mary Black and William Black; her stepson, Alan Paul Dean, Jr.; her daughter, Mary-joan T. Dean Coleman; and former husband, Alan Paul Dean, Sr.

In 1932, Joan was born the 4^th child of William L. Black, a federal probation officer and Gertrude Clavin Black, an elementary principal in Providence, Rhode Island in 1932. Joan attended and graduated from St. Pius V Catholic Elementary School in Providence, Rhode Island. In June 1950, Joan graduated from North Providence High School where she was on the honor roll, a cheerleader, class officer, newspaper school columnist, yearbook staff and participated in the drama and glee club. In 1954, Joan graduated from Rhode Island College of Education with a Bachelor of the Arts degree. In college, she was class officer, Dean’s List, newspaper columnist, cheerleader, President of International Students Association, Who’s Who in American Colleges and Universities. Joan received her first Masters of Education (Counseling) in 1976 from Howard University. Her second Masters of Education (Reading) was obtained in 1981 from Trinity College.

Joan taught at various schools in various countries over the years. Joan taught first grade in Rhode Island and New Jersey. In 1957, she ventured overseas to teach at the Naha Air force Base school in Naha, Okinawa and the US Naval Base in Yokosuka, Japan. She came back to the United States to start her own nursery school named Jack and Jill Nursery School in Coventry, Rhode Island. She closed the school to marry Lt. Alan Paul Dean, who she had met in Yokosuka. Japan at the US Navy Base. When her husband became an Attaché to the Ambassador in Accra Ghana (West Africa) she worked as the embassy receptionist being fluent in French.  The next assignment allowed Joan to teach in Kigali, Rwanda (East Africa).  She was fluent in English, French and taught herself Swahili so she was able to teach Rwandan government officials English. Joan stayed home to raise her children until the youngest was in first grade and then returned to teaching. Joan taught at Mackin Catholic High School in Washington DC for 14 years until it closed. Joan then became a reading specialist at Tubman Elementary School in Washington DC for 10 years.  Joan would retire from James McHenry Elementary School in Prince George’s County as a reading specialist after many years of teaching in 2008.

Joan was a devout Irish Catholic who attended Mass daily.  She enjoyed gardening and reading.

A Private Funeral Service was held at Thomas More Barn Chapel at Mary of Nazareth and a private burial was held at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Silver Spring Maryland.