Joan Aura Anderson

Joan H. Anderson went to be with the Lord on Monday, March 9, 2026, at age 97, in her home in Akron, Ohio.

Joan was born in Alliance, Ohio, on November 26, 1928, to Dr. John Housley and Corinne Albright. From an early age Joan showed exceptional academic ability. Following graduation from Cuyahoga Falls High School, she attended the Idabelle Firestone School of Nursing at Akron City Hospital, graduating as valedictorian in 1949. After graduation, Joan worked as a registered nurse at Akron City Hospital.

In 1950, Joan married George E. Anderson. They were married for 58 years and led remarkable lives. Before marrying, Joan and George decided on five children; Joan got her wish, five children: David, John, Lesley, Lynn and Joany. As a girl, Joan dreamed of being a mother and she was mother not just to her own children but also to the entire neighborhood, and in particular, her nieces and nephew (Corinne, EJ, and Laura Jo), who lived directly across the street.

In her late 30s, Joan struggled with alcohol. She found help in Alcoholics Anonymous and for almost 50 years worked ceaselessly to help recovering alcoholics. She put her formidable talents on display as a full-time employee in Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), Akron, OH office, for 23 years. She also served as Northeastern Ohio’s delegate to the National AA Convention. As a volunteer, Joan led AA meetings for decades (including in prison meetings) but her commitment to service extended far beyond AA meetings. She spoke regularly at correctional facilities, jails, and halfway houses, sharing her experience, strength, and hope with men and women seeking a path to sobriety. She quietly helped countless individuals by driving them to meetings, mentoring and sponsoring many women, and offering guidance and encouragement to those beginning their journey in sobriety. Over the years she gave numerous talks, touching many lives with her honesty, wisdom, and compassion. At holiday celebrations, Joan typically hosted one or more non-family members, often recovering alcoholics, some just released from prison. Joan proudly celebrated 55 years of sobriety.

Joan had an abiding faith in God which she imparted to each of her children. Joan was a devoted member of Riverside Alliance Church in Akron, where she faithfully attended services and Bible study for many years. She not only attended church herself, but also organized and brought a sizeable contingent of people with her. Joan was a devoted Sunday School teacher, sharing her love of scripture and her caring spirit with generations of children and fellow church members. Her church community remained an important part of her life until the day of her passing.

Joan cherished the outdoors and enjoyed spending time at many of Akron’s treasured local places. A longtime member and supporter of the Akron Zoo and Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens, she loved bringing family and friends along to share those experiences. As a mother and grandmother, Joan led many long and delightful walks.

A life-time learner, Joan returned to the University of Akron in her mid-40s and as an evening student earned a B.S. in German and Spanish. An avid reader, Joan read to her children, nieces, nephew and grandchildren books such as Pinocchio, The Wizard of Oz, Tom Sawyer, Huckleberry Finn, and her favorite book “Gone With the Wind.”

Joan traveled the world. Her husband, George Anderson, a world-renowned martial arts expert/teacher/leader traveled extensively on behalf of the martial arts. Joan traveled with him everywhere: Wales, London, Paris, Germany, Spain, Italy, Egypt, South America, Nepal, China, Japan, Australia, and more. She greatly enjoyed the martial arts community, who continually went out of their way to make her feel special.

Unable to abide injustice of any kind, Joan strongly supported the civil rights movement. She didn’t just watch. She joined the NAACP and in the turbulent 1960s, marched in civil rights protests. When African Americans moved into her neighborhood and her white neighbors moved en masse, Joan stood in her front yard and warmly welcomed her new neighbors.

Joan is survived by her son David Anderson (Joyce), and daughters Lesley Anderson, Lynn Pethtel and Joan Aquila; grandchildren William and Betty Anderson, Neico Anderson, Shawn and Shannon McCartney, Lesley Horsfall, Mark Pethtel, George, Sam and Salvatore Aquila, and 20 great grandchildren. Joan is also survived by two nieces Corinne Housley and Laura Jo Sherman.

Joan was predeceased by her husband George Anderson, son John Anderson, and nephew EJ Housley.

Friends may call at the Billow FAIRLAWN Chapel, 85 N. Miller Rd, Fairlawn, OH, on FRIDAY, April 10, from 5 to 7 p.m. ET. Funeral services will be held on SATURDAY, April 11, at Riverside Alliance Church, 2433 S. Main Street, Akron, beginning at 10:30 a.m. ET with Rev. F. Nevin Wiest officiating. Interment will follow immediately afterward at Rose Hill Burial Park.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Akron Zoo, https://www.akronzoo.org/give in memory of Joan.

Services in care of the Billow Funeral Homes and Crematory, Fairlawn Chapel, 85 N. Miller Rd. Fairlawn, OH 44333.