Biography of Current President Joan Oxendine

Biography of Current President Joan Oxendine

1995- Present

Joan Wicks Oxendine was born in Beckley, West Virginia. After beginning her professional training at St. Mary’s Hospital School of Nursing and Howard University, Joan earned a BS in nursing from Bowie State University and an MPH in Health Policy and Management from Johns Hopkins University. After working in a variety of medical settings, Joan retired from Bowie State University as Director of Student Health Services. Apart from her nursing career, Joan has adopted many pastimes that showcase her skills and interests. A master at sewing and crocheting, she donates many of her pieces to the sick and shut in. A history buff, Joan is constantly exploring her roots. This led her to write and publish a book in 2018 called Growing Up in the United

States of America: A Nurse Encounters Starvation and the Uninsured.

Joan joined Metropolitan A.M.E. Church in 1968 under the pastorage of Rev. G. Dewey Robinson. Her love for helping others led her to join the Sarah Allen Missionary Society, where she has been a member for 40 years and is currently its president. A servant leader, Joan is the president of the Prince George’s County Unit of Church Women United and the Willow Wood Estates Civic Association. For 15 years, she served as president of the President’s Council. She has been honored by the Washington Tuskegee University Alumni Club and Bowie State University. Following the death of Altha Elliott, the second president of the Sons and Daughters of Allen, Joan became its third president, a position she has held for 26 years. Her motto is “Do unto others as you would have them do to you.”

Biography of Past President Altha Elliott 1986 - 1995

Altha Rebecca Watson Elliott, born in Columbia, South Carolina, moved to Washington, D.C. as a teenager and attended D.C. Public Schools. Upon graduation from Cardozo High School, she matriculated at D.C. Teacher’s College, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in education. She became an instructor of English and history in the school system that created her, finishing her career at Langley Junior High School in D.C. Teaching was her passion. Through her daily interactions with students at a transitional stage in their lives, she imparted to them lifelong skills.

In 1956, Altha married Lawrence Elliott, and they became the proud parents of three daughters: Lauren, Benita, and Vicki. Just as she nurtured her students, she did the same for their children – always stressing the importance of education, inspiring them to become successful in their careers, encouraging them to utilize their oral, written, and creative skills.

Altha became active at Metropolitan A.M.E. Church at a young age, participating in numerous activities. She and LaVerne Goldman started the Campfire Girls Troop in the early 70s. Additionally, she was a member of the Young Adult Club and sang with the MetroAires Choir. Her dedication to the Sons and Daughters of Allen was evident by the various functions she spearheaded, often involving the youth at her school and from the community.

In 1986, Altha became the second president of the Sons and Daughters of Allen, serving until her death in 1995. Under her leadership, new initiatives and programs were introduced to the club.