To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. II Corinthians 5:8

Joan E. Poindexter Whited entered the golden gates of Heaven on Monday May 20, 2024, surrounded by her family.

Joan, affectionately known as “Nana’ was born June 26, 1943, in Youngstown, Ohio to the union of James & Mary Poindexter. She graduated from The Rayen School and furthered her post-secondary education attending Lewis Weinberger & Hill Cosmetology School.

Joan was an integral part of the Union Baptist Church and participated in the nursing ministry. She loved her church and pastor, serving wherever she was needed.

She worked varies jobs including North Side Hospital & Park Vista, as a nursing assistant and Brentwood Originals, as a seamstress. After retirement, she went on to work as a foster grandparent at Alta Head Start. As a surrogate, she loved the babies and in return they loved her back.

Joan married Lawrence E. Whited in October 1962. From this union 3 children were born- Don, Lamont and Wendy.

In Joan’s spare-time she loved playing bananza with her friends, purse bingo, solitaire, shopping and attending the Jazz in the Park summer series. She was an avid Cleveland Cavaliers fan. Nana never had a problem expressing herself or an opinion, even if it was not mutually appreciated.

She leaves to cherish her memories two sons Don Whited of Columbus and Lamont Whited of Youngstown; her one and only daughter Wendy (Eric) McQueen of Youngstown. Her fondest memories are also retained by her two bonus sons Lawrence & Troy (Naomi) Houser, a special daughter in-law Amy Meenachan of St Augustine, Fl and brother James (Mable) Poindexter Jr. of Birmingham, Al.

Her legacy will be upheld by her ten grandchildren Cierra, Lamont (Chelsea), Ashley, Denesha, Ty’Eisha, Sydney, Ka’Shon, Moesha (Jabre), Malcolm and Araya, along with her five bonus great-grandchildren who adored her and a cadre of family and friends.

Joan was welcomed upon arrival to the celestial shores by her parents, brother Randolph Poindexter, sister Janet Ruth and special companion Rufus Lee, all who preceded her in death.

Joan will be remembered fondly for her unfiltered and robust laughter, love and unwavering commitment to her family, church and community. Her presence will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

A public viewing & visitation will be held 9:00 am on Saturday June 1, 2024, at the Union Baptist Church, 528 Lincoln Ave. A Celebration of Life service to honor Joan’s legacy will take place at 10:00 am. with Pastor Michael Harrison officiating. After the committal service, Joan will be laid to rest with at Tod Homestead Cemetery.

The family of Joan E. Poindexter Whited elected to entrust the Ministry of Comfort & Care and Professional After Care Arrangements with J. E. Washington Funeral Services, 2234 Glenwood Avenue, Youngstown, Ohio 44511 330.782.8500.

Although Nana may have left this earth, her spirit will forever remain in the hearts of many as we reminisce on the precious moments once shared.