Joan Catherine Elizabeth Ferguson (Yates) was born in Birmingham, England in 1960, to Charles E Ferguson and Manater Mahalia Ferguson. She died on September 21, 2025. She was preceded in
death by her father, Charles, in December of 2004.

Joan was the middle sibling and was always a kind child and grew up to bean even kinder adult. She moved to the U.S. in the early 80s following her mother who arrived on the "Queen Mary" ship in 1970.

She attended the famous Barbizon School of Arts and Modeling. She was a model for the school and then became a licensed cosmetologist in her younger years and began a career that lasted for over 45 years before she retired in 2023. Many trusted only her hands to do their hair for decades. She was also a part-time bus driver, a job that she loved for almost 20 years. The staff and children loved Ms. Yates. She always shared the truth and did not hold back, especially when what she shared was beneficial to the recipient.

She loved to travel, create something from nothing, craft, and create memories.

Joan was a faithful member of True Holiness Gospel Church for over 37 years, and her life of service has left an indelible mark upon our ministry.
She quickly found her place in the work of the Lord, first as a Sunday School teacher and with the children's choir, later serving as assistant
director of the adult choir. Nearly 20 years ago, she was appointed president of the THGC Usher Board, a ministry that has long been known
for excellence. Under her leadership, the Usher Board continued to flourish with grace, precision, and dedication. Sister Joan also served faithfully on the Annual Christmas Banquet Committee and took joy in helping to plan and decorate for the Father's Day Breakfast each year. Her love for God and His church can be seen throughout the very fabric of True Holiness Gospel Church. They love her dearly and will deeply miss her presence, but also rejoice in knowing she now rests in the arms of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Joan is survived by her son, Jamar Sandford (Deidra Sandford); her granddaughters, Skai, Savannah, and Samaaria Sandford; her mother,
Manater Ferguson; her brothers and sisters, Lorain Ferguson, George (Sid) Ferguson (Zetta Ferguson), Herald Ferguson, Carol Ferguson, Colin
Ferguson, Hyron Ferguson; her nieces and nephews: Genevieve, Errol Jr., Michael, Marcell, Charissa, Manuel, Georgya, Chaniqua, Rashanda, Christopher, Elisha, Dasharae, Zhonique, Hyron Jr.; and a host of great nieces and nephews whom she adored greatly.

Although Joan's physical presence may no longer grace our lives, her spirit will continue to inspire and uplift us. May her memory be a blessing, and may we carry forth her legacy of love and compassion in all that we do.