Joan Ellen Mohorn

JOAN ELLEN MOHORN, daughter of the late Isaiah and Mytle Scott, was born in Baltimore City, Maryland on February 13, 1941. She was the seventh of nine children. Preceding her in death were four brothers, Melvin, Ervin, Leon and Alvin and two sisters, Shirley and June. Joan passed away on Wednesday, December 15, 2010 following a sudden and unexpected bout of pneumonia. Joan was raised in the John Wesley Baptist Church and believed that God was the center of her world. She later joined Saint Johns Baptist Church where she regained a sense of purpose, and character of her pastor, Pastor Lee Edward Pearson. If she could speak about herself and life, we believe she would say, “I did the best I could and strived for all that life had to offered.” Following childhood curiosities, ballet lessons, school days, etc., Joan met and married the late Alfred Mohorn (Moe). Of this union, she reared one child, Carl D. Mohorn (a.k.a Jake). The majority of her career life was spent at the Social Security Administration, a total of forty-nine years; 1961 until her death. In the mist of those years, she explored lots and lots of business adventures. Along the way, you may have met her at her flea market stand, purchased her Amway and Avon products, as well as a host of other endeavors. Joan was a very private person and, at the same time, the Queen of “Let Make A Deal.” Her innate ability to plan each step of her life brought her both joy and the challenges of moving past what “could not be” to creating a new path. In addition to her business adventures, other joys in her life were supporting the development of her beloved son, debating issues, educating herself, reading, sharing her knowledge, skills, experience and above all, being her own person. Joan did not dwell on her illnesses to allow them to consume her life. Few people knew that she struggled with a life long series of health issues that would have made the average person surrender and give up on life. Not Joan. When situations perplex her, she became silent and contemplated her next step. She laced up her shoes, put on layers of clothes, stood up straight and strutted right through the situation, her way. The “I can’t do” thoughts were rarely a part of her scenario. When and where she could, she conveyed that message and explicidedly explained why. Now! We can’t leave out her attitude when she became angry can we. That was something to behold. The correct phrase would be “Duck and Cover. Smile” No matter how we sum up this child of God, she lived life to the fullest and had many pleasurable moments doing it. Left behind to remember the life, spirit and death of Mrs. Joan Ellen Scott-Mohorn are: loving son, Jake; devoted daughter-in-law, April; beloved granddaughter, Jade; step-granddaughter, Asia; stepdaughter, Daisha and her children; and stepson, Dink and his children who referred to her as “Mamma Joan.” From her biological family, she leaves two brothers, Reginald and Donald Scott and their wives, Marion and Louise; her list of nieces and nephews are, James, Debra, Warren, Tammy, Brian, Craig, Reginald and Krystle, (Donald preceded her in death); and last but not least, her great-nieces, great-nephews and friends whom she loved and respected, Mille Sassafras, Beverly Washington and Chris Tucker, Joan loved you dearly.

Tributes

Joan Ellen Mohorn

February 13, 1941 - December 15, 2010