Dorothy Joan Monroe Wise was born on October 4, 1942 in Washington, D. C. to the late Ruth Naomi
Monroe and John Howard Monroe, Sr. Joan,which was her preferred name, was educated in the Washington, D.C. public school system and a graduate of Eastern High School. She attended both Tuskegee Institute and Howard University. Joan began a lifelong career at Howard University and held several positions. In the  era of the typewriter, she has a reputation for being one of the most proficient typist on staff. After working over 30 years at Howard University, she retired as a Grant Manager for the College of Medicine. Joan was known for her unique style of dress, outgoing personality, and a special sense of humor. She had a love for plants, elephants, and the quietness of the country.

While working at Howard, Joan met the love of her life, Eddie F. Wise. Eddie and Joan were married for 25 years and spent the majority of their time together laughing and speaking a rare and dis- tinct language (that only they could understand). For those that knew Joan closely, knew that she had a disdain for the name Dorothy; however, she loved the name “Brown Sugar” given to her by Eddie.

Joan was a faithful woman of God and spent many years performing missionary work to the Washington, Maryland, and Virginia area. She in- stilled a Christian faith in her children, family, and friends. If you were in need and she could help, it was yours. Her acts of generosity were unyielding and selfless.

Joan “Brown Sugar” leaves to cherish her memories, husband Eddie Wise, daughter Monica St. Hill-Morton (Joey Morton), son Derrick Monroe (Valerie Matthews Monroe), son Edward “Ronnie” Wise (LaTasha Wise), sister Lorie Pinkett, brother John Howard Monroe, Jr., sister-in-law Cheryl Mercer (OB Mercer), 10 grandchildren, Dominique Wheeler, Katrina Wheeler, Jason Wheeler (Chawndra Wheeler), Monique St. Hill, Christopher St. Hill, Dawn St. Hill, Demetrius Monroe, Shakescia Livingston (David), Basilio St. Hill, Jr., Algernon St. Hill, four great-grandchildren, and a host of other family and friends.

Preceding her in death is her sister Dorcas Monroe, brothers Leroy Butler and William Monroe.

The Officiate and Eulogist for the Monroe and Wise family is Dr. Russell Shaw, Pastor of Corner- stone Missionary Baptist Church.

The funeral service will be held Saturday, Sep- tember 23, 2017 at 12 noon at Cornerstone Mission- ary Baptist Church, 713 Warren St. in Williamston. Interment will be Monday, September 25, 2017 at 2 pm at Quantico National Military Cemetery, 18424 Joplin Road, Triangle ,Virginia 22172.

 Service Information