Joan M Harcum

JOAN M. ALEXANDER HARCUM

September 11, 1947 - August 30, 2025

Joan Margaret Alexander Harcum was born September 11. 1947 in Philadelphia, PA to the late Elizabeth J. Ferguson. She was the second of four children.

Joan was educated in the Philadelphia Public School System, and graduated from Edward Bok Technical High School.

Joan married the late Wallace Alexander, and from that union came two daughters, Whitney and Jill. After the divorce, Joan later married the late Brenton Harcum, and became the mother of two stepson, Brenton Harcum Jr. and Aaron Harcum.

Joan was a longtime employee of Bell Telephone Company, which is now Verizon. Joan was a valuable employee, provided excellent service, and also made many lifelong friends. [NOTE: Ms. Madeline or someone else may want to add information or edit this paragraph.]

Joan was a devout Christian, and owned a Christian bookstore and gift shop on South Philadelphia for over a decade. She was a treasured member of the Point Breeze Avenue business community.

Joan worshipped at several churches throughout her life, including Sharon Baptist Church, Church of the Redeemer Baptist Church, and St. Simon the Cyrenian Episcopal Church.

Joan loved her family, and was always sharing her knowledge and wisdom. She liked to discuss food, and what her family and friends were cooking or grilling. She also loved to share recipes and recommend new menu ideas.

Joan also loved to debate, and sometimes argue, and usually had a strong opinion on any topic.

Before her illness, Joan enjoyed traveling, and especially liked to visit her daughter, grandsons, and in-laws near Houston. She also loved to walk the boardwalk and visit the beach in Atlantic City.

Joan also was always very excited to see and FaceTime with her great-grandchildren, including the four near Houston and the one in Philadelphia.

Joan transitioned from this life peacefully on August 30, 2025, at Jefferson Hospital in Philadelphia. Joan was preceded in death by her mother, Elizabeth J. Ferguson; her brother Stephen (“Butch”) Johnson; her first husband Wallace Alexander; and her second husband Brenton Harcum.

Joan leaves to cherish her memories: daughters, Whitney Alexander-Lee (Melvin), and Jill Linden (Donald Jr.); stepsons Brenton Harcum Jr. and Aaron Harcum; brothers James Mark Ferguson (Angelique) and Gary Ferguson; grandsons Donald P. Linden III and Joel W. Linden; granddaughters Diamond Elizabeth Lee and Jillian Margaret Lee; five great-grandchildren; and a host of cousins, in-laws, extended family, and special friends.