Joan Lee Knight
April 7, 1941-October 17, 2017
Resident of Oakland CA Known affectionately as Joanie to her family and friends, Joan, one of the first black stewardesses hired by United Airlines, a music lover, sports enthusiast and world traveler, has taken her final flight.
Joanie succumbed to a degenerative disease , under the AMAN umbrella of neuropathies that was diagnosed in April 2016. After several lengthy hospital stays, she returned to her Oakland home where she passed peacefully.
Born in San Diego, she was the only child of James and Josephine Knight. Due to her father’s naval career, her childhood was spent in a number of locations including Pensacola, FL, Norfolk VA, Newport RI, and Guantanamo Bay, Cuba which inspired her lifelong love of traveling and ardent desire to learn about other cultures. After graduating from Abraham Lincoln High School, she attended Chapman College then graduated from San Diego State in 1965. She was the first black cheerleader/songleader at both colleges.
Joanie was hired by United Airlines, trained in Chicago for her position as stewardess and elected president of her class. First based in Newark, she had the pleasure of living in New York, a city she adored. She was then assigned to San Francisco for the remainder of her 38 year flying career. Joan especially enjoyed her flights to Asia which included destinations Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Singapore, Tokyo and other cities in Japan. There was, however, a special place in her heart for Paris.
At home, her friends knew her passion for music , fashion, politics and sports. She could compete on the tennis court or dance hip hop as easily as cheering on her beloved 49ers and Warriors. Joan was devoted to health and fitness and will be remembered at “All Seasons” Sports Club and Club One, now Active Sports. She enjoyed decorating, reading, hanging out with the Dining Divas, Clipped Wings, Clarendon Book Club & Classic Companions. Special time was spent with long time friends and regularly with her “Little Mommie”. They especially enjoyed visiting different churches in the East Bay. She lived by a simple rule: Make the most of life! She found the expression: Life is what happens when you are making other plans…to be very true!
Joanie was particularly appreciative of her caregivers, Hilda Carabuso and Salve Cabais, for their outstanding dedication and care. Many thanks to Ayumi House and Alma Escalante, members of her Hospice team as well as her many friends, including Michael Martin, Christine Clark, Cresa Bent, Elsie Rutland, Crystal Porter, Bonnie Wanderer, Debby Horton, Maudelle Terry, Carol WardAllen and Dorothy Reed. Joanie is survived by her 96 year old Mother, Josephine Knight.
At Joan’s request, no service will be held. All she asks of you is a smile for the good times, a contribution to a Boys or Girls Club of your choice or a random act of kindness with the love you feel for her in your heart.