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Councilmember Kenyan R. McDuffie 2
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A CEREMONIAL RESOLUTION 6
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IN THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA 10
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To recognize and honor the life, service, and legacy of Joan Adams Thomas Kelley and to 14
commend her for her decades of dedication to education, faith, leadership, and family in the 15
District of Columbia. 16
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WHEREAS, Joan Adams Thomas Kelley was born on November 8, 1938, in 18
Washington, D.C., to the late Bennie Frank and Thomasine Scott Adams; 19
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WHEREAS, Joan received her early education in the District of Columbia Public Schools 21
before graduating from Paul Laurence Dunbar High School and later earning degrees from D.C. 22
Teachers College and Georgetown University, reflecting her lifelong commitment to learning 23
and excellence; 24
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WHEREAS, Joan devoted 43 years to the District of Columbia Public Schools, beginning 26
her teaching career in 1961 and later serving in staff development and leadership roles, 27
ultimately spending 17 years as Principal of John Tyler Elementary School, where her 28
dedication, professionalism, and compassion shaped the lives of generations of students and 29
educators; 30
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WHEREAS, Joan was an active member of several professional educational 32
organizations and, even after retiring in 2004, remained engaged in supporting the educational 33
community through the D.C. Retired Educators Association and regular fellowship with fellow 34
retired principals; 35
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WHEREAS, Joan was a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. for nearly 37
five decades, exemplifying its values of sisterhood, scholarship, and service throughout her 38
personal and professional life; 39
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WHEREAS, Joan was a deeply committed church leader who served faithfully in 41
multiple ministries, including the Lay Council, Christian Education, music, youth programming, 42
missionary work, and community outreach, and also contributed her leadership to Church 43
Women United at both the District and regional levels; 44
WHEREAS, Joan cherished her family, raising her daughters Kathy and Dawn, and 45
embraced her extended family of grandchildren, siblings, and loved ones who were central to her 46
life; 47
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WHEREAS, Joan will be remembered for her warmth, generosity, and radiant 49
personality, as well as for her love of dancing, travel, and the joy she brought to every 50
community she touched; 51
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RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, that this 53
resolution may be cited as the “Joan Adams Thomas Kelley Posthumous Recognition Resolution 54
of 2025”. 55
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Sec. 2. The Council of the District of Columbia recognizes and honors the life of Joan 57
Adams Thomas Kelley for her extraordinary contributions to public education, her steadfast 58
commitment to faith and service, and the enduring love and inspiration she shared with her 59
family, students, colleagues, and community. 60
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Sec. 3. This resolution shall take effect immediately upon the first date of publication in 62
the District of Columbia Register. 63