Joan Thelma James Whitty was born on December 7, 1949, in St. Augustine, Florida, to Clarence James and Katherine Watkins Williams. On July 29, 2025, Joan peacefully transitioned to her heavenly home.

At an early age, Joan gave her life to Christ, beginning a lifelong journey of faith and service. She was a faithful member of her church, where she served as Church Clerk, President of the Deaconess Board, and a member of the Eastern Star. Joan began her education at Richard J. Murray High School, attending from 7th through 11th grade. She later became one of the first three Black students to graduate from St. Augustine High School in 1967. Determined to pursue higher education, Joan earned her Bachelor of Science Degree from Florida Memorial University in Miami, Florida, in 1972. Her professional career spanned nearly 40 years, including roles as a Supervisor with the Department of Juvenile Justice, a Social Worker for the State of Florida, and a Case Manager at the Homeless Coalition. Her passion for justice and care for others was evident throughout her work. Joan was also a courageous participant in the Civil Rights Movement. In 1964, at the age of 14, she marched alongside Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. during his time in St. Augustine. She was arrested for her participation and had the rare honor of speaking with Dr. King and receiving his autograph memory she cherished throughout her life. Outside of her career and activism, Joan loved traveling, movies, theater, shopping, walking, and most of all, spending time with her family. Her life was marked by wisdom, strength, and unwavering faith, and her legacy will continue to inspire all who knew and loved her.

Joan was preceded in eternal rest by her parents, Katherine Williams and Clarence James; her husband, Albert Whitty; brothers, Ricky James and Raymond Holmes; sisters, Cheryl James and Kathy Williams; grandparents, James Willie and Thelma Watkins; and a host of other beloved family members who have gone before her.

She leaves to cherish her memory: her brother, Clarence James (Jeanette); sisters, Debra Burks and Karen Bullard; nephews, Aaron Dwayne Hamlett, Collin Griffin, Travien Wright, Germari Rickerson, Jarrod Mills, Darien Griffin, and Clarence James; nieces, Gabrielle Rickerson, Shanee Andrews, Aubrielle Willis, Lauren Mills, Clarice James, Akia Hamlett, and Diara Griffin. She is also remembered by a host of great-nieces and great-nephews including Zhayvien, Journee, Asariah, Jordan, Jayden, Trell, and Jovian; her godson, Curtis Davis; special cousins, Sharon Whitty, Jeanette Irvin, Deidra Kelsey, Erika Hill, Ebony Wright, and Brenda Braswell; and dear lifelong friends, Sandra Williams, Endolyn Davis, Barbara Singleton, Sandy Owen, Beverly Trottman, and Joann Milligan.

Visitation 6:30-7:30 p.m., Friday, August 8, 2025, at Zion Missionary Baptist Church, 94 evergreen Ave, St. Augustine, Florida

A Celebration of Life will be held 1:30 p.m., Saturday, August 9, 2025, at Zion MB Chruch

Interment will be held in Jacksonville National Cemetery