Obituary of Joan Marie Henry

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OBITUARY: Joan Marie Henry

On Monday, February 24, 2025 the will of the Master prevailed, another flower was lifted from this earthly home to a life eternal, free from the cares of this world. This flower of beauty was affectionately known as our Joan Marie. 
Joan Marie Henry was born on July 10, 1938, in Arlington, VA. As the eldest daughter of the late George A. and Deaconess Lena M. Smith, she was the beloved matriarch of her family.
Joan was a cherished presence in the Nauck community, known for her warm smile, kind heart, and welcoming home, where a hot meal and an uplifting Bible verse were always ready to nourish both body and soul. 
She was a woman of steadfast faith, boundless energy, and unwavering devotion to her family, church and career. She began her education in Arlington Public Schools before graduating from Cardozo High School in Washington, D.C. Driven by her passion for healthcare, she pursued her education at Mary Washington School of Nursing and went on to serve as a Practical Nurse at Andrews Air Force Base. She then embarked on a distinguished 33-year career with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Even after retirement Joan’s dedication to service never wavered. She started working for the Arlington County Fire Department and devoted herself to selling crystal for Princesses House Corporation. Her passion as a Princess House Manager afforded her the opportunity to host parties and win trips around the world.   
Joan was a lifelong and devoted member of Macedonia Baptist Church, where she wholeheartedly embraced her calling as a Deaconess and dedicated herself to numerous ministries. 
She led the Share Program, assisted disabled seniors through Meals on Wheels, and established the Pantry House to support those in need. 
She was also a proud member of the Forerunners; as well as lending her voice to various choirs. Her rendition of The Old Rugged Cross was a cherished gem, often requested on Sunday mornings, touching the hearts of all who heard her sing. 
Beyond her professional and church commitments, Joan was the heart and soul of her home. She and her beloved husband, Edward Taft Henry, whom she married on March 15, 1963, shared over 60  years of unwavering love and devotion. Their home was a place of warmth and welcome, especially on Sundays and Fish Fry Fridays, when family and friends gathered around a table filled with an abundance of food. We all knew that we were going to feast on corn pudding, potato salad, greens, and parker house rolls. Let’s not forget the sweet tea. 
She was an avid Scrabble player and a devoted reader of the Holy Bible. Joan loved celebrating birthdays, always making them special for her family and friends. She would send personalized cards, thoughtfully handmade, each featuring a picture of her and Taft on the back. Her cherished Birthday Club, made up of close friends, enjoyed dining out together, celebrating each other's special day at the restaurant of their choice, a tradition filled with lasting memories. 
Preceding her in death was her sisters, Florence White, Earlene Collins and Catherine Smith. She leaves behind her beloved husband, Edward Henry; their children, Mary Elizabeth Hill (Dewayne), Wayne Henry (Joyce), and William Tony Henry. She is also survived by her siblings, Joyce Robinson, Esther Green, George Smith, Joseph Smith, and William Jerry Smith (Marvella) and brother-in-law Tracy Hewitt
She was a loving godmother to Stephan Green, Traon Boykin, Valarie Hill, Hazel Garner and Tae’lor Willard. Additionally, she is survived by her uncle, James Berger, along with a host of grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends who will forever cherish her memory. 
Joan embodied life with curiosity, wisdom, and an unshakable spirit. Her legacy of faith, service, and love for others will continue to uplift all who had the privilege of knowing her.