Dr. JoAnn Thomas Wilson, of Fayetteville, Georgia, formerly of Richmond, died July 2, 2024. She was born in Capitol Hill, Washington, D.C., on March 22, 1950, to James and Dorothy Thomas. She was the fifth child out of thirteen. As a child, she attended Maury Elementary, Eliot Jr. High, and matriculated through McKinley Tech High School. JoAnn was known for being erudite, a trait she carried throughout her life. She was also recognized as one of the smartest and brightest students at her alma mater, from which she graduated in 1968. She took her talents to Lincoln University in Pennsylvania, where she received a full scholarship. As a student at Lincoln University, she was involved in numerous campus organizations and served as the Yearbook Editor of The Lion. After graduating summa cum laude with a B.A. in Psychology from Lincoln University, she was awarded a scholarship to continue her academic pursuits at the University of Denver, where she continued to excel. There, JoAnn graduated summa cum laude with her M.A. and Ph.D. in Child Clinical Psychology.

In 1977, JoAnn moved to Richmond, where she completed her clinical residency at McGuire Hospital and began working as the Community College Psychologist and Assistant Professor in the Psychology Department at J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College. While working and teaching in Richmond, she soon became one of the first Black woman clinical psychologists, specializing in children and families. In 1981, she began her career as a Court Psychologist for the City of Richmond Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court.

Here in Richmond, she met the love of her life, Charles Wilson. She famously tells the story of how he swept her off her feet on their first date when he invited her to play tennis. Charles and JoAnn were married on October 20, 1979. Together, they raised three children (Charles Wilson Jr., Tamaini Wilson, and Terrence Wilson) and two grandchildren. Her goal as a parent was to expose and immerse her children in the richness of Black culture and history.

For over a decade, she served the students, faculty, and staff at Virginia State University as Associate Professor, Guidance & Counseling Graduate Program University Mediator Director, Students With Disabilities Program Director, and Assistant Professor for the Department of Psychology. JoAnn always maintained her private practice as a Clinical Psychologist and Clinical Consultant. As a consultant, she was featured in Emerge Magazine and on numerous television shows, including Teen Summit, Leeza Gibbons, and Montell Williams, as an expert on the cycle of domestic violence and abuse.

JoAnn spent countless hours dedicated to her community and her clients. She was an active member of Gravel Hill Baptist Church, where the Wilson family has been members for over 40 years. In 1993, JoAnn became a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc.®, Rho Eta Omega Chapter in Richmond, Virginia, continuing her commitment to service and uplifting the community. As a servant leader and advocate for children, women, and families, JoAnn served as a board member of numerous organizations, on the Alumni Board of Directors for Lincoln University, and as past president of the Women’s Commission of Richmond.

During her later years, JoAnn and Charles retired and moved to Georgia to live with their daughter. She spent her years in Georgia surrounded by family, friends, and sorority members. She enjoyed jazz concerts, jazz festivals, boat rides, and fishing with her family. There is no way to quantify the numerous lives and people that she poured love into over her lifetime. Her impact on her family, friends, and community is immeasurable. JoAnn’s erudition, expertise, voice, demeanor, thoughtfulness, empathy, and service to others will be sorely missed.

Remains rest at Scott's Funeral Home, 115 E. Brookland Park Blvd. where viewing will be held from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m. Monday, July 15, 2024. Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Tuesday, July 16 at Gravel Hill Baptist Church, 2600 Gravel Hill Road. Rev. Louis Jones officiating. Interment private.