A Life Story

Dr. Joan Millicent Bryan WilcoxJune 21, 1936 - May 4, 2024Odenton, MDThe journey of life undertaken by Dr. Joan Millicent Bryan Wilcox, began inSavannah, Georgia on Father's Day, June 21, 1936 and ended on May 4, 2024.The second child of three (Sylvester, Joan and Sandra) born to Sylvester J.Bryan Sr., and Nancy Verdier Bryan, Joan received her primary education atSt Benedict's Catholic School and her secondary education at Alfred E. BeachHigh School. She, along with her family, was a member of St. Benedict'sCatholic Church. She was baptized, confirmed and ultimately married at St.Benedict's.When Joan was 11 years old, she lost her beloved father who had instilled inher and her siblings a thirst and respect for education. His lessons and'famous lectures' on education would come to fruition in her future.Upon graduation from high school, Joan attended Talladega College in Alabamaon a full scholarship and with the support of her older brother, Syl. Shegraduated in June 1957. That same week, she married her childhoodsweetheart, Walter Wilcox Jr. She and Walter embarked on his militarycareer which led them to Virginia, New Jersey and ultimately Heidelberg,Germany. Along the way, Joan pursued her career as an elementary teacher.Over the years, they were blessed with three children: Shelley Marie,Shannon Michelle, Walter Clifford. The children grew up in Germany,although unfortunately the marriage was dissolved. Despite this, it wasclear that Walter had been the "love of my life."Meeting her father's expectations, Joan ultimately received the Master'sDegree from Boston University and earned the Doctor of Philosophy Degreefrom Iowa State University in 1995. Her career blossomed in the Departmentof Defense Education Activity (DoDEA)/European Region, and she quicklyascended the administrative chain serving as Assistant Principal, Principal,Assistant Superintendent and ultimately Superintendent of the Heidelberg,Germany District. Along the way she was recognized for her leadership andthe attainment of excellence in her work. Joan went on to become aToastmaster to enhance her public speaking skills. She was selected as PTAAdministrator of the Year, National Distinguished Principal (1987), GermanyPrincipal of the Year (1992 and 1993), and Department of Defense DependentsSchools (DoDDS) Superintendent of the Year (1999). In 2000, she retired andreturned to the United States serve as a Cluster Director (communitysuperintendent) for the prestigious Fairfax County Public Schools inNorthern Virginia. She served in this capacity for three years where shesuccessful administered and was responsible for twenty-three high achievingschools.During her thirty-year tenure in Europe, Joan enjoyed traveling to manyEuropean countries. She became a member of Delta Sigma Theta's Germanychapter while in Europe. To her father's delight, we can agree that Joanled a productive and exemplary life apply his long-ago lectures to herachievements. She retired to Odenton, Maryland in 2006, however anopportunity to travel to the Middle East as an education consultant to HerHighness Sheikha Moza bin Nasser of Qatar.Her very vibrant life's journey came to an end on Saturday, May 4, 2024.Mourning her departure, but celebrating her life are daughters Shelley MarieWilcox Bazemore of Odenton, Maryland; Shannon Michelle Wilcox Schmidt andher husband Joseph of Manassas, Virginia; son, Walter Clifford Wilcox ofOdenton, Maryland; grandchildren Robert Bazemore, Ashton Schmidt, IanSchmidt, and Creslin Wilcox; brother Dr. Sylvester Bryan and wife Margaretof Fresno, California. They are joined by many beloved nieces, nephews,relatives and friends.In memory of Joan, the family respectfully requests donations to the Hospiceof the Chesapeake that provided compassionate and professional servicesduring her final years. Donations can be made online:HospiceChesapeke.org, or mailed to: Hospice of the Chesapeake, 90 RitchieHighway, Pasadena, MD 21122. In the coming months, Joan will be laid torest at the feet of her beloved father in Laurel Grove Cemetery, Savannah,Georgia.