Joan Steed

Joan Thomas (Steed) was born on December 9, 1945 in New York City at Harlem Hospital to the late Beulah Thomas and Edward Massey. “Joanie” as she was affectionately called, departed this life on July 16, 2020. She confessed Christ at an early age, but her decision to make God, Lord over her life is what led her to Atlanta in 2002. There, she married her long-time companion and love, Harry in 2007. Joanie spent most of her life in the Bronx but would make Atlanta home in her latter age. She was an amazingly generous and caring woman. If you met her, you could not forget her. She was outspoken, candid and audacious. Yet, she was wise and reflective. Joanie lit up a room with her beautiful energy and loving spirit. She was a fashionable lady who was always well dressed and well groomed. Though she would talk about her imperfections, her heart was perfect. Joanie loved to cook, she loved to shop, and she loved her family. But most of all, she loved Jesus Christ. She often proclaimed that it was by His grace that changed her. Joanie was courageous and strong and though she faced many challenges in life, she met them all with faith. Joanie was a teen mother, who suffered the devasting loss of her only child, Edward. She would also lose her eye. But she was neither resentful nor revengeful, instead she remained undeterred. An optimistic servant who had an exceptional zest for life, Joanie did not stop nor allow her failing health to diminish her joy. She read her Bible daily and often prayed. She slipped into eternity, with no fear, holding firmly to her devotion to God. She is preceded in death by her mother, several siblings and her beloved son, Edward. She leaves to cherish her memories a devoted husband, Harry, son Jeremiah, eight children by marriage; Jason, Harry, Thaddeus, Osmond, Caine, Julia, Allison, and Frances, one grandson Edward and one granddaughter Edwina, four great grandchildren, Endya, Endell, Ed’driana and Edaijah, three sister's Ida, Lillie and Elizabeth, a nephew, Jacob Harris and two nieces Christina Thomas and Diedra Harris along with a host of cousins, family and friends.