Joan was born on November 10, 1946 in Brooklyn, New York to  Louis and Ruth Harris, who are now deceased. She graduated from Syracuse University in New York with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Education, and then received her Masters of Art Degree for teachers from Georgia State. She was a mathematics teacher for many years at North Springs and Sandy Springs High Schools. She also tutored students for SAT exams, and coached students in mathematics for academic bowl competitions. In addition to being an excellent educator and teacher, she was an outstanding interior designer. Joan enjoyed shopping and purchasing items for others. She also enjoyed cooking, fishing, working in her garden, traveling, playing cards, and other games with her many friends. She loved to go to various casinos throughout the US. She also loved her dogs; all named Lady. We all will miss "the look", which only her close friends and family will understand.

Joan is survived by members of the Newell family.

We will miss our beloved Joan but we all will celebrate a life well lived full of beauty, love, generosity and many neighbors and friends. In Lieu of flowers, donations may be sent in her memory to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital or to the Best Friends Animal Society