Joan Elizabeth Green

Life's Journey

Joan Elizabeth Green

Those we love remain with us, for love itself lives on,

and cherished memories never fade because a loved one’s gone;

those we love can never be more than a thought apart;

for as long as there is memory, they’ll live on in the heart.

Joan Elizabeth Green was born on October 5, 1949, in Nyack, New York to her parents, Clarence Green and Essie Smith Green. She was the only child born to this union.  As a child, she enjoyed visiting her mother’s beauty salon.

Joan received her early education by graduating from Nyack High School in Nyack, New York.  She furthered her education by attending the Bethune Cookman College in Daytona Beach, Florida.  She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Spanish.  Joan furthered matriculated to earn a master’s degree in education from Atlanta University. 

Joan was the proud mother of a son she named, Sir Jason Green.  She was a single mother, who took great pride in the care and nurture of her son.  Sir fondly remembers when he was little, they would order pizza from Pizza Hut every Friday.  She often smiled as she told stories of Sir when he was 3 and 4 years old.  She made sure that he was self sufficient and taught him to cook, wash and iron clothes, and work hard.  They shared a closeness that was undeniable.  She watched him play the snare drum and the tenor drum on the drumline while in high school. She was so proud of him as he was the first African American President while in high school.  She continued to be the doting mother as he earned his MBA and a Doctorate of Education. Most importantly, she taught him to have the right relationship with the Lord.

Joan was later blessed with three grandchildren, Jeremiah, Zipporah, and Zina, who all were an additional source of joy and pride in her life.  They lovingly called her “grandmommie” and fondly remember all the happy and precious moments they shared together.  Jeremiah remembers going downtown Denver to go to McDonalds, and eating at Sam’s #3 whenever they could.  Joan was also blessed with Zipporah and Zina, through the marriage of Sir.  Joan expanded her love to both and was the happiest when she could talk about her three grandchildren.  She loved holidays, and they all remember the Christmas pajama shirts, they designed and wore. She was proud of them graduating from high school and watching them turn into young adults.  Later, she was blessed to have a great granddaughter, named Ariya who called her “great  grandmommie.”  When she held her for the first time, the overwhelming sense of love and affection was priceless.  She absolutely adored her.

By profession, Joan was an Early Childhood Educator. She was employed by Clark Atlanta University-EOA Head Start Program, Bedford Pine Daycare Center, and The Wonderful World of Children, where she served as the Center Manager.  She loved her positions and always strived to make a difference in the lives of the children who were placed in her trust and care. She retired after many years of faithful and dedicated service. 

A woman of faith and belief in the Lord, Joan accepted the Lord as her personal savior at a very early age and was baptized.  She was a member of First Baptist Church in Atlanta, Georgia for over twenty-five years.  When she relocated to Denver, Colorado, and she became a member of House of Hope Ministries under the pastoral leadership of Reverend Richard Lewis.  She loved her church and her church family.  They all fondly remember the many pictures taken with her church family. She believed in the power of prayer.  At the time of her passing, she had been a member for over fifteen years.

Before moving to Denver, Joan was famous commentator in Atlanta.  She kept up with the fashion trends.  She would take her red leather briefcase when she negotiated fashion contracts.  During fashions shows, she would describe the model’s attire in both English and French.  The audience was elated to see and hear a black woman speaking both languages.  Sir often accompanied her to the shows so could get a Shirley Temple drink.

Joan was a fun-loving woman, who enjoyed life those she encircled.  In her free time, she loved taking pictures of many memorable moments.  Through her photography, she created several books, capturing many authentic moments.  She loved wearing leopard print, and her favorite color was purple. Her closest friends, Pearl, Jackie, and Bob will forever remember the many happy and precious moments they all shared together and the fact that she was a true and trusted friend. She will be missed by all who were fortunate enough to have known this kind and special woman who loved eating peppermint.  She lived a blessed life and was dependent upon the Lord to help her through 74 years.  To know Joan was to love her. 

Joan Elizabeth Green departed this life to the embrace of the Lord on October 25, 2023, in Denver, Colorado.  Those left to cherish her memory and mourn her loss include her son, Sir Jason Green of Centennial, Colorado; 3 grandchildren, Jeremiah L. Green, and Zina D. Richardson both of Centennial, Colorado and Zipporah L. Richardson of Aurora, Colorado; 1 great granddaughter, Ariya G. Johnson of Aurora, Colorado; and a host of other relatives and many friends.