Joan Leatherman Barnett

July 29, 1939 — May 18, 2024

Abingdon

Joan Leatherman Barnett, age 84 of Abingdon, MD, died peacefully with family by her side on May 18, 2024.

Joan was born in Line Lexington, PA. She was the daughter of the late Harold and Margaret Leatherman. Joan is preceded in death by her husband Ralph Barnett, her parents, and a cherished uncle, Russell Leatherman. She is survived by her sisters, Doris Boyer and Lorraine Sensinger, and beloved nieces and nephews.

Born and raised in Line Lexington, Pennsylvania, Joan was a graduate of North Penn High School. She received her undergraduate degree from Elizabethtown College of which she was a consistent alumni donor until her recent health challenges. Joan attained her Master’s degree in Education from Towson University.

Joan began her teaching career in 1961 at Edgewood Elementary School in Harford County Public Schools. Joan often reminisced that when she began teaching, the Military Police rode the buses with the students from the then Edgewood Arsenal. Later in her career, she transferred to Riverside Elementary School. She mentored new teachers to the grade level, supporting their professional growth. Joan served as a Curriculum Writer for Social Studies at Harford County Public Schools and served on many school committees. Joan retired from teaching in February, 1994.

Joan served as the Membership Chairperson of the Harford County Retired School Personnel Association (HCRSPA) where she maintained the membership roster and reported membership to the state’s association, Maryland Retired School Personnel Association (MRSPA.)

Within a year or so of her retirement as a teacher, she began as a substitute organist at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church and the Junior Choir. Soon, she transitioned to the role of full time organist where she played for almost 10 years. She enjoyed practicing for choir rehearsal in the solitude of the church and practicing at home on her baby grand piano. Joan also served on the Vestry.

Joan performed with the Harford Choral Society for more than 20 years, Her performances culminated in the Christmas, Spring, and summer concerts in the Park. She dedicated many hours to practice for the performances. Joan loved playing and singing classical music.

Joan and her husband enjoyed sailing as well as raising rare orchids and poinsettias. She enjoyed planting flowers and toiling in the dirt and weeds. Joan also loved cooking and was known for serving eclectic dishes. She had quite a collection of cookbooks. Joan and Ralph loved fine dining and hosting evenings with friends at their home and on their boat. Teachers looked forward to the end of State testing because Joan and Ralph always prepared a feast to celebrate.

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Service Schedule

Past Services

Funeral Service

Friday, June 7, 2024

Starts at 2:00 pm (Eastern time)

St. Mary's Episcopal Church

1 St. Mary's Church Road, Abingdon, MD 21009

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Interment