Joan Ann Alli

Joan Ann Alli affectionately known as “Joanann”,“Josie”, or Aunt Joan was called to eternal rest with the Lord on Sunday, January 17, 2021. Joan and twin brother, John Richard were born on June 29, 1936 to the union of Charles and Marjorie Scott of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She was educated through the Pittsburgh Public School System and graduated from Penn Hills Senior High School in 1955. Shortly thereafter, she met and married the late Sy Alli Jr. of Farrell, Pennsylvania where she relocated. They had two children from their union, Rhonda and Sy III.

Joan returned to Pittsburgh and shortly after accepted employment with the Pittsburgh Courier in which she worked various positions. She was dedicated and committed to her occupation and staff made it known that she was more than just an employee. In 2009 Joan was the honoree of the Wille Stargell Banquet Award for devoting 38 years of service. In 2013 she received a 41 and 1/2 year retirement celebration and an appreciation award for her total length of service to the Pittsburgh Courier. Prior to her illness, Joan was an active member of Rodman Street Missionary Baptist Church where she participated as a cordial and usher. She was also a member of the church choir as she loved to sing and had a beautiful soprano voice. Joan had an appreciation for various types of music especially rhythm and blues. She always had the best and latest music playing at her home.

Family and friends were Joan’s passion as she loved to entertain by hosting gatherings. Joan was genuinely warm, kind, and compassionate towards everyone she met. Her affection and love of family is one of the characteristics embedded in the Scott lineage. She was a stickler for cleanliness as she kept an immaculate house and would wash the hands of nieces and nephews while lovingly correcting their grammar by saying “Don’t say ain’t!” Joan loved to travel as she frequently visited family in California. She also enjoyed train rides to New York as she had an appreciation for Broadway plays. Her greatest joy were her children and grandchildren. She cherished them dearly and enjoyed spending quality family time especially during the holiday seasons.

She is survived by her daughter, Rhonda Alli (Rick James); son, Sy Alli III, grandchildren; Natasha, Samaria, Sy IV, daughter-in-law Alicia George, and sister, Doris Leonard of Indian Wells, California. Joan was preceded in death by her parents, sister Thelma Allen, brothers Charles Scott, Edward Scott, Donald Scott, and her twin John Scott. Also remaining to cherish Joan in memory are a host of family and friends who will miss her dearly.

Expressions of Acknowledgement: On behalf of the Alli Family, we wish to express sincere appreciation for the love, support and all acts of kindness shown during this difficult time. In lieu of flowers, please send your condolences in the form of donations to Rodman Missionary Baptist Church. May God’s richest blessings be upon each of you.

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