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ENROLLED ORIGINAL
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A CEREMONIAL RESOLUTION
26-117
IN THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
December 16, 2025
To recognize and honor the life, service, and legacy of Joan A.T. Kelley and to commend her for
her decades of dedication to education, faith, leadership, and family in the District of
Columbia.
WHEREAS, Joan A.T. Kelley was born on November 8, 1938, in Washington, D.C., to
the late Bennie Frank and Thomasine Scott Adams;
WHEREAS, Joan A.T. Kelley received her early education in the District of Columbia
Public Schools before graduating from Paul Laurence Dunbar High School and later earning
degrees from D.C. Teachers College and Georgetown University, reflecting her lifelong
commitment to learning and excellence;
WHEREAS, Joan A.T. Kelley devoted 43 years to the District of Columbia Public
Schools, beginning her teaching career in 1961 and later serving in staff development and
leadership roles, ultimately spending 17 years as Principal of John Tyler Elementary School,
where her dedication, professionalism, and compassion shaped the lives of generations of
students and educators;
WHEREAS, Joan A.T. Kelley was an active member of several professional educational
organizations and, even after retiring in 2004, remained engaged in supporting the educational
community through the D.C. Retired Educators Association and regular fellowship with fellow
retired principals;
WHEREAS, Joan A.T. Kelley was a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
for nearly five decades, exemplifying its values of sisterhood, scholarship, and service
throughout her personal and professional life;
WHEREAS, Joan A.T. Kelley was a deeply committed church leader who served
faithfully in multiple ministries, including the Lay Council, Christian Education, music, youth
programming, missionary work, and community outreach, and also contributed her leadership to
Church Women United at both the District and regional levels;
ENROLLED ORIGINAL
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WHEREAS, Joan A.T. Kelley cherished her family, raising her daughters Kathy and
Dawn, and embraced her extended family of grandchildren, siblings, and loved ones who were
central to her life;
WHEREAS, Joan A.T. Kelley will be remembered for her warmth, generosity, and
radiant personality, as well as for her love of dancing, travel, and the joy she brought to every
community she touched;
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, That this
resolution may be cited as the “Joan A.T. Kelley Posthumous Recognition Resolution of 2025”.
Sec. 2. The Council of the District of Columbia recognizes and honors the life of Joan
A.T. Kelley for her extraordinary contributions to public education, her steadfast commitment to
faith and service, and the enduring love and inspiration she shared with her family, students,
colleagues, and community.
Sec. 3. This resolution shall take effect immediately.