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Joann Mawasha Obituary
Dr. Joann "Jo" Wright Mawasha, 55, beloved wife, mother, relative, and friend to many, died on June 22, 2023, after a brief battle with cancer (cangio-carcinoma).
Joann was born on September 12, 1967, in Nassau, Bahamas, to parents, Patrick and Beulah Wright.
Dr. Mawasha graduated from Prince William High School in Nassau, Bahamas, and obtained a BA degree, summa cum laude from St. Augustine's College in North Carolina; an MS in Public Administration, the University of Akron; a Pre-Doctoral Fellowship Diploma at Yale University; and a Doctor of Psychology, Wright State University (WSU).
Preceded in death by Beulah (mother) and Orville Wright (brother). Survived by her husband, Dr. P. Ruby Mawasha; sons Ishe, Thando, and Kojo Mawasha, bonus daughter, Mendu Khanyile; father, Patrick Wright Sr.; brothers, Patrick Wright Jr., Richard Wright (Gertrude) and sister Angelia Cargill (Troy); nephews, Trovayne and T'Angelo Cargill.
Jo previously served as Director of Communications, Summit County, OH DJFS; Director, Bolinga Center, (WSU); Director of REEP and Clinical Research Consultant for the Ohio Commission on Minority Health (WSU). At the time of her passing, Jo was the Deputy Director of the Human Relations Council, the City of Dayton.
Joann's private cremation will be on Monday, July 3, 2023. The memorial service will be on Saturday, July 8, 2023, at 11am at Stillwater Church (6911 Frederick Pike, Dayton, OH). The final memorial service will be held on Tuesday, August 15, 2023, at Christ the King Anglican Church in Nassau, Bahamas.
Joann's family will offer her remains to the Atlantic Ocean in the Bahamas; Buddhist Stupa in the Zuni Mountains, New Mexico, USA; Indian Ocean, Durban, South Africa; and finally, the Caribbean Sea in Aruba.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Joann Mawasha
Andre Bridgers
January 11, 2024
My deepest sympathy to the Mawasha family. RIP Joann. The last time I saw you was in 1994. I see you have achieved all of your Educational, Professional, and Personal Endeavors and I am not surprised because you had a beautiful mind. Your passing is very painful and life is not fair. May you rest in peace. You may be gone but you will never be forgotten.
Kysha Garrett
August 26, 2023
Joann, I will miss you beloved friend and line sister. You were a friend to me first with your gorgeous smile during our undergraduate years and i wish we would have stayed in touch. I will miss you dearly! I´m
Thank you for being a friend!
Love always,
Kysha
Karen Mortimer
August 12, 2023
On 21 September 1987 we joined the Royal Bahamas Defence Force in Nassau, The Bahamas as members of Woman Entry 2. Joann was very driven and had many dreams and aspiration. I am not surprise to read about her many accolades. Feeling so proud of my squaddie. We had many memorable moments in training. She was also a avid volleyball player. We are saddened by her passing. May her soul rest in peace.
Eddie Rolle
August 12, 2023
My condolences to my squadmate Joann's family. I first met Joann when we entered the gates of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force on Sep 21 1987. She was a person full of life and she loved to smile. She had such a beatiful smile. When she left the country we lost contact but she was always on all of the squadmates mind. May she rest in peace.
Reina S.
July 25, 2023
I can hear the voice of my sweet soror, in my head, as plain as day. She was always a calm voice in the storm. I will always regret not following my mind and calling her in the weeks preceding her passing. I didn't even know she was ill. When God puts someone on your heart, pray, call, visit...whatever you are lead to do. I will miss her laugh and her spirit. I am so glad to have known and worked with her. I will carry her memory in my heart. Lord bless her husband, beloved sons and family forever more.
Cady Landa
July 9, 2023
Joann and I worked together for about a year. We tried to launch a county-level strategic planning process for immigrant integration and she invited me to join the Board of the Human Relations Council. I am deeply saddened by her loss. Such a kind and steady person, who welcomed and respected all, maintained a positive outlook, and gently supported others. A very unusual and wonderful person.
Cheryl Cain Scroggins
July 7, 2023
Dr. Mawasha was an exceptionally compassionate person. Professionally, for several years, she oversaw program evaluation services for the Dayton Local Office of Minority Health (PHDMD/OCMH) and she lent her expertise in so many spaces, and positively impacted so many lives. Personally, she was a person of integrity and a genuinely kind spirit. I´m so sad to hear of her passing. She will be remembered and missed.
Jaylin P
July 6, 2023
Ms. Jo taught me what it meant to be a trusted neighbor, a true friend, an amazing host, a prolific scholar, an undeniable professional, and plain old good company. I will miss her dearly, but carry her with me daily.
Shamell Brandon
July 5, 2023
Joann, I will always remember and appreciate your smile, laughter, and kindness. Thank you for offering Life your beautiful contributions! I was fortunate to get to go through the difficulties of graduate school with you as a member of our class family. Your memory will be a blessing!
thato mawasha
July 5, 2023
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
Alyssa
June 29, 2023
Joann is deeply missed. She had such a passion for her family and her work. I will never forget her kindness and the special bond she shared with my son. I can picture them now running down the hall sharing a snack. It won't be the same without her but we will continue to do the good work and make her proud. We must celebrate her life and never forget all the love she shared with us all.
Wendy Mitchell
June 29, 2023
Our thoughts and prayers are with Ruby and family.
Jacob Davis
June 28, 2023
Joann was a great friend. I am thankful for the memories but devastated she is no longer with us. We miss you Joann.
-Jacob, Margaret, and Quinn
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