Obituary

JOAN ANITA SIMPSON VANN was born July 17, 1954, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She was the firstborn child of Robert Leo Simpson and Barbara Lee Woodside Simpson and big sister to Joyce Michelle Simpson. Joan attended Lewis C. Cassidy Elementary School and Morris E. Leeds Junior High School in Philadelphia and was a proud alumnae of the Philadelphia High School for Girls (Girls High). She graduated from Lincoln University, PA, in 1976 with a bachelor’s in mathematics. Her master’s degree in business administration was earned at the University of Pennsylvania – Warton School of Business.

In 1979, Joan met Gregory Alvin Vann, a budding construction manager. The two were married on June 28, 1986. Two years later, they welcomed their first child, a daughter, Jordan Ashley Vann, and in December 1990, they completed their family with the birth of their son, Matthew Robert Vann.

Upon graduation from Lincoln University, Joan joined Bell of Pennsylvania (Verizon), beginning her illustrious career with the company. She held numerous positions with increasing responsibilities, including Vice President of Finance Operations and Vice President/Chief Sustainability Officer. Joan loved her job and the many people she worked with who became a part of her family.

After 35 years of service, Joan retired from Verizon in 2011 but did not stay retired long. Joan’s ambition motivated her to continue exploring other professional opportunities, including ATS Group; Integrum Work Solutions; and, most recently, Antoine Johnson, Construction. Additionally, Joan took on more responsibilities at her Church, Asbury Community Church, Woodlyne, NJ, where she served with distinction as Church Council Chair and Staff Parish Relations Committee Chair. She also took on leadership roles as the Executive Director of the Dubois Garvey Foundation and Director of Asbury's Summer Camp Program and assisted with the Dennis L. Blackwell Scholarship Fund, leaving a legacy of service and mentorship.

Joan's commitment to community service began early in life as a Brownie and Girl Scout and continued throughout her adulthood. She dedicated her time and talents to making a meaningful impact. She was an active member of the South Jersey (NJ) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated and served as the chapter’s Program Director. Among her many contributions, Joan found her greatest fulfillment as a devoted member of the Sister Will You Help Me initiative, a cancer survivor support group where her compassion and resilience inspired and uplifted others. Joan was also a beloved member of The Philadelphia Chapter of The Northeasterners, Inc., where she served as Recording Secretary. Joan loved participating in the group’s monthly gatherings, going to fun-filled national conventions, or hosting holiday celebrations at her home.

Joan ascended to her heavenly home on November 8, 2024. She is survived by her husband of 38 years, Gregory Vann; daughter, Jordan Vann and son, Matthew Vann; a sister, Joyce Simpson, and brothers-in-law Foster Butler, Jr, (Tracey) and Marvin Vann; sisters-in-law Phylis Singleton and Cecila Vann; nephews David Overstreet, Foster Butler III, Joshua Butler, Phillip Singleton, Paul Singleton, and Daniel Singleton; nieces Carmen Vann Cruz and Locksley Vann Williams; 1st cousins Lori Charles, Kim Williams (Edward), Michelle Harrison, Antoinette Austin, Marguerite Woodside, Rosemary Tyson, Robert Sims, Jr., and George Austin, Jr.; 2nd cousins Nia Williams and Idris Harrison.

Joan was a cheerful giver and made sure everyone around her had what they needed and wanted at all times. She will be deeply missed by her family, friends and all those whose lives she touched.