IN THE WORDS OF STEPHANA J. SAUNDERS (NIECE):

There would be many words to describe Joanna Agatha Russell-Newton. One that comes to the forefront of my mind is “INTENSE”. Aunt Joan approached everything that she pursued, touched, or thought with intensity.

It is with a heavy heart that I bid farewell to my dear Aunt Joan who has left all too soon.

Throughout her life, my beloved aunt showed what true courage and fearlessness looks like. She tackled every obstacle that came her way with a determination and resilience that were awe-inspiring. Her strength, courage, and legacy will forever be imprinted in my heart and mind.

At the heart of Aunt Joan’s life was service. Her commitment to support and wrestle issues involving those around her was the thread that flowed throughout her life and she always fought with everything within her. Sometimes going for broke to get her way. Oh yes, with Aunt Joan, most times, it was her way or no way at all. Sometimes this caused alienation and friction, and at other times, produced harmony and progress.

Aunt Joan was so much more than just a family member to me. She was an aunt whom I saw almost every day of my life; Always present due to her close relationship with my mom (her sister Cynthia). Aunt Joan and my grandmother were my first babysitters. She regaled me with stories of how she had to drive me around in her Fiat for at least two hours to make me stop crying so that I could go to sleep. And always with pride in her voice, she would remind me that I am named after her. “Juanette is Spanish for Joan you know” she would proclaim and “don’t you forget it”!

My aunt and my mother, Cynthia were two peas in a pod. They shared a bond that was unbreakable. I would sometimes wonder if they never got tired of one another. As I think about Aunt Joan’s place in my life, I stand in awe of her energy and drive and the camaraderie between her and my mother. In my youth, mom and Aunt Joan bought a Volkswagen bus together and I was the first to ride in it. I can remember my excitement for our new vehicle to transport us to and from school. But my most pleasant memories were that every Sunday, Aunt Joan and mom would take us to Barbary Beach in that bus where we enjoyed the sea and our Sunday dinner and running races along the seashore where Aunt Joan would beat us running hands down. I never could run anyway…but I digress. I will always admire their love and support they had for each other.

Aunt Joan’s years of involvement in the Miss Grand Bahama Committee led her to chair the Little Miss St. Vincent De Paul Pageant of which I was a contestant. She and her friend Jan Eastcott molded us into runway models by the time they were finished with us. I did not win but it was an experience that I cherish to this day because she said to me as I was weeping, distraught and crying my eyes out, “You did well Steph. You win some and you lose some… Next time, you’ll do better”.

Every summer, we traveled to shop for our school supplies and for some adventure. My favorite travel memory was a cruise in the summer of 1981 when cruises were not popular yet. When our families landed in St. Thomas, the customs officers pointed at us like we were novelties. They were amazed to see a black family on a cruise – 2 beautiful women with 6 kids in tow. At my young age at that time, it was magical.

My beloved aunt’s unwavering faith in God was the foundation upon which she built her life. Aunt Joan was a devout Catholic and for years, a daily communicant. Her faith gave her the strength to face every challenge with grace and dignity. She was never afraid to speak up for what she believed in. Her unwavering commitment to improving the lives of others inspired me.

Aunt Joan was also a serial entrepreneur in partnership with my mother Cynthia. CJ&V Liquor Store, Exit 4 Nightclub, One World and Prestige Perfumes, even a hair salon, were some of the business establishments. She even partnered with her friend Joan Bowe-McKay in the leather boutique “Strap”. This is where my love for Louis Vuitton and anything Ted Lapidus was nurtured!

I remember my very first job vividly as a cashier at East Sunrise Food Store which was owned by my uncle Floyd Russell. Aunt Joan was the Manager there. She woke me up one Saturday morning and told me to get dressed. In moments, I was on my way to employment.

When I passed the Bar, Aunt Joan was my cheerleader. She was so proud of me and always believed in me. She would say to me “Never forget who you are. You are MY niece!!” with the emphasis on the MY. Her words of encouragement and support gave me the strength to keep going, and I will forever be grateful for her unwavering love and guidance. Her examples of determination showed me the importance of hard work and dedication.

My aunt was also fun-loving. When my brother Kenneth would see Aunt Joan, he would shout “EXCITING” and she would just eat it up! I have countless memories of her being the life of the party. One Sunday afternoon, she tried to teach me “the jump”. When I didn’t catch on quickly, she and my mom demonstrated. I was left with my mouth open at the rhythm and the moves of the dance. I regret not harassing Aunt Joan to teach me, because it was absolutely awesome. Their coordination was to die for!!

I also accompanied Aunt Joan on many trips as her travel and shopping partner. We had so much fun together exploring new places and discovering hidden gems.

Aunt Joan was also a social butterfly and people were drawn to her magnetic personality. But my aunt was so much more than just fun-loving and a social butterfly. Aunt Joan believed in service!

She was the charter president for Zonta International in Grand Bahama and encouraged my participation when I returned from University. Unfortunately, the Zonta Club of Freeport/Lucaya did not survive in Grand Bahama, but she and her Zonta Sisters did great work here in the Grand Bahama Community.

She was a political activist and an unapologetic leader. She never shied away from speaking her mind and standing up for what she believed in. I used to marvel at how Aunt Joan ran toward and thrived in conflict, but it was an integral part of her character. She approached life with intensity and fearlessness, never letting anything stand in her way.

Her love and dedication as a mother were also remarkable. She was a doting mother who poured her energy and love into raising her children, Cleon and Caline, to be the best they could be.

Aunt Joan’s legacy will live on through her children, her family, and all the countless lives she touched. She lived her life with purpose and meaning always striving to make a difference in the world. Her unwavering faith, fierce determination, and all out intensity will forever be remembered, cherished, and missed.

Rest in peace, Aunt Joan. You will always hold a special place in my heart. You will forever be a source of inspiration to me.

What mother’s fearlessness taught us:

“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” (Psalm 23:4)

“When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I shall not be afraid. What can flesh do to me?” (Psalm 56:3-4)

Our life should be such; that when the world comes after us, we should turn to our Heavenly Father to guide and be with us.