Joan Francis Potter Smallwood Giddens

Joan Francis Potter Smallwood Giddens, the youngest daughter of the late Daniel and Fannie Potter, was born April 11, 1934 in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. She touched the face of God on Thursday, June 8, 2006 and passed from this life into eternal life at the Harrisburg Hospital. She received her formal education in the Harrisburg School System, graduating from William Penn Senior High School in 1952. During her working career, she was employed by Harrisburg Hospital and retired from the Harrisburg School District in 1999 following 35 years of dedicated service. Joan was baptized in Bethel AME Church under the leadership of Rev. Peter C. Williams. She went to Sunday School and Church every Sunday with her Mother and nine siblings. She was a member of the Sanctuary Choir, where she is well remembered for her beautiful alto voice and her resounding rendition of "Surely, Surely... God is Able." She recommitted her walk with God and Bethel AME Church on March 12, 2006, under the leadership of Pastor Martin D. Odom, where she has been a good and faithful servant. She had a loving and caring personality. She was known for her kindness, generosity and especially her cooking. Everybody knew about her famous "Smallwood Burger" and potato salad. Anyone who came to her house was always welcomed and enjoyed whatever meal she had prepared. She loved her family dearly and was a devoted Mother, Grandmother, Sister, Aunt and Cousin. She cherished her three sons, they were the sunshine of her life and her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were the apple of her eye. Joan was preceded in death by her husband Charles Smallwood and her second husband Charles Giddens, her sister Margaret Potter and brother Walter Potter. She leaves to celebrate her life and cherish their beautiful memories of her, her loving sons, Dwain of Reading, Pa., Garth and Kirk of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, her brother Arthur Potter and sisters, Jean Ford, Vivienne Elby, Clara White, Eunice Hurst, Nancy Flynn and her twin , Doris Pierce all of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, a dedicated cousin, Barbara Johnson and her beloved grandchildren, LaShawn Walwyn, Steven Blackwell, Curtis Robinson, Airis Smallwood and Tajj Smallwood, all of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania and 12 great-grandchildren. Joan is also survived by a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Joan's life will be celebrated with her family and the Hooper Memorial Home Inc. in her church, 1721 North 5th Street, Tuesday at 12 noon with viewing at 11. Her final resting place will be with her family in the William Howard Day Cemetery. The family wishes to extend their sincere gratitude and deep appreciation to all of you who are supportive of them during their time of loss.