If laughter could tell a life story, her grandchildren would say, “Grandma’s story could write itself.” Of course, she would probably hear them talking about it and wonder what was so funny and somehow make them laugh all over again.
Born on December 7, 1941, Joan entered the world on a day history would never forget. While Pearl Harbor is remembered for tragedy and sacrifice, our family also knows that date as the beginning of a life that would make a monumental impact through kindness, love and unforgettable laughter.
Born in Pittsburgh, PA, and raised in Berkeley, CA, Joan later made her home in La Puente, Hesperia and finally Menifee, CA. She proudly served in the United States Army, training as a medic. Her desire to care for others continued through her work in hospitals in Washington and California. Together, Joani and Ronald Moore raised their two children, Keith and Kecia. After her children began school, she became an instructional aide, working with children with aphasia. Following her divorce, she continued building a life of independence, perseverance and purpose, devoted to her career and children.
Throughout every season, her love for writing remained constant. Joan began writing poetry as a child, putting her thoughts, emotions and observations into words. Her poetry became a source of reflection, encouragement and healing. But some of her most memorable words were never written down. They came into everyday conversations, when she would say something with complete seriousness and leave everyone laughing. She never had to try to be funny. Her expressions and timing were simply her own, and they gave her family stories to tell for generations.
So many treasured memories of her grandchildren begin with, “Do you remember when Grandma…?” Before the story is finished, someone is already laughing. Behind that effortless humor was a genuine spirit and a generous heart. Even in her final days, being surrounded by family brought her happiness. She spoke her mind, stood firmly in her belief and never hesitated to tell it like it was, while leaving you with something to think about. Hurting feelings was never her intention, but she knew that sometimes the truth could leave a little collateral damage along the way. She loved people even when they didn’t love her back, regardless of other people’s actions, she said, “That’s a problem I don’t own, let God deal with them.” It was a phrase she echoed to her offspring often.
Joan was preceded in death by her natural mother Louise Robinson, father Fred Robinson and stepmother Juanita Robinson, two brothers John Robinson and Gordon (Byron) Robinson; her very best friends Jemmie Kincade and Jeanine Tyler, who were more like sisters than friends and served as aunts to her son and daughter. She leaves to cherish her memory and legacy of kindness: her two children, Keith Moore and Kecia Moore Jones; son-in-law, Alex Jones; four grandchildren, Kiana Jones Brobbey, Alexis Jones, Kylan Jones and Ashton Jones, all who followed her footsteps by serving in the United States military; four great-grandchildren, Maliah Brobbey (7), Audin Jones (5), Aubrey Jones (2) and Kaison Jones (2 months); granddaughter-in-law, Trinnity Jones, Keith life’s partner, Pamela Carter; five half-siblings, Jae Martin, Glenn Robinson, Sheldon Robinson, Da’Monica Robinson-Moore and Kirk Robinson; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
She may have left this earthly home, but we have no doubt that her beautiful spirit has already made its presence known. She is reunited with loved ones and surrounded by her cherished sister-friends, listening as they share stories, laughter and heavenly conversations. And just when everyone thinks the conversation is coming to an end, we envision her walking up and leaning in, with that familiar expression, a little sparkle in her eyes and the confidence of a woman who never hesitated to speak her mind, saying: “Now, let me tell you how I see it!”
Rest in paradise, our precious and divine mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin and friend.
