Dr. Joan Millicent Bryan Wilcox

Dr. Joan Millicent Bryan Wilcox

June 21, 1936 — May 4, 2024

Odenton, MD

The journey of life undertaken by Dr. Joan Millicent Bryan Wilcox, began in

Savannah, Georgia on Father’s Day, June 21, 1936 and ended on May 4, 2024.

The second child of three (Sylvester, Joan and Sandra) born to Sylvester J.

Bryan Sr., and Nancy Verdier Bryan, Joan received her primary education at

St Benedict’s Catholic School and her secondary education at Alfred E. Beach

High School. She, along with her family, was a member of St. Benedict’s

Catholic Church. She was baptized, confirmed and ultimately married at St.

Benedict’s.

When Joan was 11 years old, she lost her beloved father who had instilled in

her and her siblings a thirst and respect for education. His lessons and

‘famous lectures’ on education would come to fruition in her future.

Upon graduation from high school, Joan attended Talladega College in Alabama

on a full scholarship and with the support of her older brother, Syl. She

graduated in June 1957. That same week, she married her childhood

sweetheart, Walter Wilcox Jr. She and Walter embarked on his military

career which led them to Virginia, New Jersey and ultimately Heidelberg,

Germany. Along the way, Joan pursued her career as an elementary teacher.

Over the years, they were blessed with three children: Shelley Marie,

Shannon Michelle, Walter Clifford. The children grew up in Germany,

although unfortunately the marriage was dissolved. Despite this, it was

clear that Walter had been the “love of my life.”

Meeting her father’s expectations, Joan ultimately received the Master’s

Degree from Boston University and earned the Doctor of Philosophy Degree

from Iowa State University in 1995. Her career blossomed in the Department

of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA)/European Region, and she quickly

ascended the administrative chain serving as Assistant Principal, Principal,

Assistant Superintendent and ultimately Superintendent of the Heidelberg,

Germany District. Along the way she was recognized for her leadership and

the attainment of excellence in her work. Joan went on to become a

Toastmaster to enhance her public speaking skills. She was selected as PTA

Administrator of the Year, National Distinguished Principal (1987), Germany

Principal of the Year (1992 and 1993), and Department of Defense Dependents

Schools (DoDDS) Superintendent of the Year (1999). In 2000, she retired and

returned to the United States serve as a Cluster Director (community

superintendent) for the prestigious Fairfax County Public Schools in

Northern Virginia. She served in this capacity for three years where she

successful administered and was responsible for twenty-three high achieving

schools.

During her thirty-year tenure in Europe, Joan enjoyed traveling to many

European countries. She became a member of Delta Sigma Theta’s Germany

chapter while in Europe. To her father’s delight, we can agree that Joan

led a productive and exemplary life apply his long-ago lectures to her

achievements. She retired to Odenton, Maryland in 2006, however an

opportunity to travel to the Middle East as an education consultant to Her

Highness Sheikha Moza bin Nasser of Qatar.

Her very vibrant life’s journey came to an end on Saturday, May 4, 2024.

Mourning her departure, but celebrating her life are daughters Shelley Marie

Wilcox Bazemore of Odenton, Maryland; Shannon Michelle Wilcox Schmidt and

her husband Joseph of Manassas, Virginia; son, Walter Clifford Wilcox of

Odenton, Maryland; grandchildren Robert Bazemore, Ashton Schmidt, Ian

Schmidt, and Creslin Wilcox; brother Dr. Sylvester Bryan and wife Margaret

of Fresno, California. They are joined by many beloved nieces, nephews,

relatives and friends.

In memory of Joan, the family respectfully requests donations to the Hospice

of the Chesapeake that provided compassionate and professional services

during her final years. Donations can be made online:

HospiceChesapeke.org, or mailed to: Hospice of the Chesapeake, 90 Ritchie

Highway, Pasadena, MD 21122. In the coming months, Joan will be laid to

rest at the feet of her beloved father in Laurel Grove Cemetery, Savannah,

Georgia.