Ms. Joan Elizabeth Schley

Joan Elizabeth Schley transitioned home to the Father on October 8, 2023 at the age of 78. She was born in New York City, New York on June 10, 1945 and spent most of the first half of her life there. She attended Benedict College in Columbia, South Carolina. Before returning to New York City where she met and married William McKinley Schley She had one child from that union, Cathy Yvette Schley. She worked most of her adult life at Penske Truck Leasing where she had a distinguished career in claims litigation. As a result of her long-standing career with Penske she was able to relocate first to Atlanta and later to Reading, Pennsylvania where she retired. Joan was deeply spiritual and a true believer in God; her faith was her strength that she relied on in good times and bad. She was an avid reader, especially of the mystery and espionage genres. She was active in the Reading community, working as a supporter of the arts, in particular art curated by African-American artist. She was also a staunch supporter of democracy and equity for all, donating a significant amount of time to political causes such as voter registration. And she was a lover of pets, primarily cats. She leaves behind her daughter, Cathy Schley, her son-in-law, Keith McGhee and one sister, Jean Bacote, who resides in New Jersey as well as five nieces and nephews and a host of great nieces and nephews. She also leaves behind one fur baby, Boots the cat. She was preceded in death by her mother, Lizzie Lou Jemison, her father, Herbert Lee Jackson, and her stepfather, Leo Jemison, Sr. She was also preceded in death by her brother Leo C. Jemison, Jr. A memorial service will be held Saturday, October 14, at 11:30 a.m. at Southern Cremations and Funerals, 640 McGarity Rd, McDonough, GA 30252. Phone: 770.957.8330. Friends and family are invited to send flowers or contribute to one of the charities below in lieu of flowers: Best Friends (an organization working to save the lives of cats and dogs): https://www.bestfriends.org/atlanta National Black Arts Festival: https://nbaf.org/ Rock the vote: https://www.rockthevote.org/ “You, Lord, keep my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light.” (Psalm 18:28) To our family and friends, please know that colorful attire is appreciated! Joan's favorite color was purple. To view the video montage of Ms. Joan Elizabeth Schley, please click the link below.https://www.tributeslides.com/tributes/show/BH9L3FFP862WW7X5