Joan P. Heard
December 12, 1931 - March 2, 2020
On December 12, 1931, Joan was born to Porterfield Houser in Birmingham, Alabama. Her Mother became ill at an early age, and then Joan was raised by Grandmother, Lucille Warren. Big Mama, as her grandmother was called, worked tirelessly to assure that Joan completed her public school education, and then successfully transitioned to college. While attending college, Joan met and married Joseph K. Heard in June 1950. They started their life together with Joe continuing to be an Army member and Joan stating to work for the Army procurement. Together they traveled for Joe's job to Japan, Thailand, Philippines, the United States, while taking care of their three young boys (Danielier Joseph Heard born in 1951, Dwight Jerome Heard born in 1954 and Eric Xavier Heard born in 1954) with them. During the next 25 years Joe was attached to various overseas Embassies as a Sergeant Major E-9, while Joan worked for the government as Procurement Manager. They focused on making sure they served their country and keeping their children healthy and well cared for. When Joe retired from the Army, he and Joan relocated to Sacramento, California where they worked hard to become part of the community. Joan believed in providing her children with strong moral values. Therefore Joan joined organizations that reflected the values she wanted her children to have. She joined the following organizations: NAACP, Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services volunteer, Avid African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church member, Champion for the poor and library supporter and volunteer. Joan passed away on March 2, 2020, and she was a resident of Oakland, California at the time of her transition.
On December 12, 1931, Joan was born to Porterfield Houser in Birmingham, Alabama. Her Mother became ill at an early age, and then Joan was raised by Grandmother, Lucille Warren. Big Mama, as her grandmother was called, worked tirelessly to... View Obituary & Service Information