In Loving Memory of

Joan Carolyn Alston

March 28, 1948 - September 22, 2024

"I have fought a good fight and I have finished my course.

I have kept the faith."

"Somewhere there is no parting

Somewhere there is no pain

Somewhere love ones are waiting

To greet us once again.

And though beyond our understanding

We will put our hearts at rest

Somewhere in all his wisdom

A loving God knows best."

Mercifully and Peacefully, Almighty God touched our beloved Joan, a devoted Mom, Grandmother "GaGa," Aunt, Sister, Cousin and Friend. On Sunday, September 22, 2024, at Sentara CarePlex Hospital in Hampton, Virginia. Joan was surrounded by her loving family and friends as she calmly took God's strong hand to accept the Joy that was now hers.

Joan Carolyn Alston was born on March 28, 1948, in Dixie Hospital in Hampton, Virginia, to William Henry Alston Sr. and Nellie Mae Laury-Alston both who preceded her into God's loving hands. Her sister, Vernice Pitt and her brother, William H. Alston Jr. also preceded her in death.

Joan attended New York City Public Schools and graduated from Newtown High School in Corona, New York in 1966. Joan attended Saint Paul's College located in Lawrenceville, Virginia in 1966 and graduated in 1970 with a B.S. degree in Elementary Education.

Joan was an active student at Saint Paul's, participating in the Women's Athletic Association, the Yearbook Committee, and Staff Drama Guild. She was also the Senior Homecoming attendant.

While at SPC, Joan met Clilan "Red" Harmon whom she would later marry. They moved to Hampton, Virginia, where they had their one and only son, Damon Jamal Harmon.

Joan became a teacher in the Newport News Public School System, where she worked as a middle school teacher. Joan taught at several schools, eventually retiring after 30 years of service from Hines Middle School.

Joan was a faithful member of the Eastern Star O.E.S. Unity Chapter 28 of Newport News, Virginia.

Joan was a joyous, whitty and fun-loving person.  She enjoyed cooking, crocheting, sewing, shopping, going to the casinos as well as traveling. Joan loved motivating and giving love to others.

She will never be forgotten and sorely missed.

Joan leaves to mourn: her loving and devoted son, Damon Jamal Harmon (Crystal); granddaughters, Onyx and Ebony Harmon; grandson, Deon; devoted friend/ sister, Grace Yancey; brother-in-law, Spencer Pitt; sister-in-law, Gladys Alston; nephews, Brandon Pitt and Khary Pitt (Trina); niece, Felicia Alston; great-nieces, Raven, Farrah, and Camryn Pitt; loving cousins, Hazel Riggins, Darren Riggins, Herm Alston Jr, Carl Alston; family friends: The Cherry family, Sabrina Harmon, Stephanie Coleman; and a host of cousins, nieces and nephews, and friends.

A Memorial Service to celebrate her life will be held at 12:30 p.m., Monday, October 7, 2024 at O. H. Smith & Son Funeral Home. Please keep her family in your thoughts and prayers.  O. H. Smith & Son Funeral Home is honored to serve the family.