Date Of Birth: November 8, 1935
Date Of Death: January 11, 2012

Joan L. Hannon, tenderly known by her family as “Mama Redd�, was born November 8, 1935 to the late Harry Lewis and Mary Elizabeth Jackson Lewis Tardy in Chicago, Illinois. She departed this life in Indianapolis, Indiana on January 11, 2012. She was preceded in death by her parents, Harry Lewis and Mary Lewis Tardy, and brother, Richard Tardy.
She graduated from Central High School in Louisville, Kentucky. She received her Bachelor’s of Science in Education from Kentucky State University, her Master’s in Psychology from University of Louisville, and an Honorary Doctorate in Education from Quebec University.
She was an educator for twenty-five years and one of the pioneers of the Head Start Program in Kentucky. She led the division of parent involvement for Head Start. She was a member of National Education Association, Kentucky Education Association, National Council of Teachers of Math, National Association of Educating Youth and Children, Jefferson County Teachers Association, National Reading Association, and National Conference on Parent Involvement. She was a board member for the local chapter for The League of Women Voters.
She was an avid reader. She enjoyed plays, musicals and traveling abroad.
Surviving to cherish her memory are Marjorie Crim (partner), former husband Riley P. Hannon Jr., three daughters, Johann E. Hannon Cross Towns of Atlanta, Georgia, Michelle D. Hannon-McAtee and Rilea L. Hannon Arnett Terry of Louisville, Kentucky and one son Marc Hannon (Shequllia) of Anchorage, Alaska; grandchildren, Gerald A. Cross Jr. (LaTreka), Aaron Akeem Towns, Hendricka Hannon, Alicia Arnett, Malcolm Jamal Thornton, Alexia Hannon, Dillon Hannon, and Dominique Hannon; great-grandchildren, Marcus A. Cross, Jordan Hannon, LaDon Hannon, and Kaden Hannon; and a host of other relatives and friends.
A Memorial Service will be held Thursday, January 19, 2012 at 3:00 p.m. at Harry W. Moore Funeral Care and Crematory, 8151 Allisonville Rd. with Rev. Tarita Hayes officiating.