Joan Amelia Dickson (Beavers) Prediger, RN was born on June 10, 1941 to Alan and Amelia Dickson in Washington, D.C. She grew up in Forestville, Maryland, graduated from Suitland High School, and received her Nursing Education at Sibley Hospital in Washington, D.C.

She was married to Maurice Beavers in 1961, until his death in 1990. She gave birth to Jeffrey and then to Robert. She served a combined 44 years at Georgetown University and then Sibley Hospital.

She met Walter David Prediger at a Psychology 101 class at Prince George’s Community College where Joan received a degree in English and Psychology. They were married at a Picnic Wedding on July 4, 2008. It was catered by the famous “Spot” Restaurant. It took place in their yard looking down upon the beautiful Susquehanna River. Joan was very religious, belonging first to Trinity Episcopal Church in Forestville, and eventually joining Salem United Church of Christ in Harrisburg, and then joining First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Lemoyne, PA.

She certainly enjoyed living in Wormleysburg, PA for the past nine years. Joan was a member of Easter Star Chapter 61, Centennial Lodge No. 174 in Upper Marlboro, MD. She also was a hospice volunteer with Heartland Hospice in Carlisle, PA. She was also very fond of wearing hats to Church; you might say that hats were her trademark. In fact she was a member of the Red Hat Society. Her favorite passion was photography and she assembled dozens of photo-filled binders. She became a weaver of used plastic grocery bags, which were then made into “plarn” or yarn, and then crocheted into beautiful sleeping mats for the homeless. She also made handbags and pillows.

She was truly a helper to anyone who was in need. She was very proud of her two sons who became Prince George’s County Firemen. Also, her granddaughter, Brandi, who became a dental assistant, and her grandson, Joe who is still in high school. Her stepdaughter, Jennifer lives in Los Angeles, CA, and is in the independent movie business.

Joan liked dining out, Harrisburg baseball games, bird watching and was particularly fond of her cats, Licorice and Scuder. Her favorite musical was the “Phantom of the Opera” featuring soloist Michael Crawford; and, her favorite singer was Enya.

When we left Maryland, she helped to donate a home for less fortunate known as “The House of David”, which has sheltered many people. Since she moved here, we have met numerous friends who have graced us with their presence.

She is survived by her husband, Walter David Prediger of Wormleysburg, PA; brother and sister-in-law John and Sharon Dickson of Winchester, VA; son, Jeffrey and daughter-in-law, Elizabeth Beavers; son, Robert of Upper Marlboro, MD; two grandchildren, Brandi and Joseph in Upper Marlboro, MD; and daughter, Jennifer Prediger of Los Angeles, CA.

Joan was certainly a bright shining light in this troubled world. In lieu of flowers, if you wish, a check to First Christian Church, (Disciples of Christ), Lemoyne, PA, for Community Outreach Programs will be greatly appreciated.

First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
442 Hummel Avenue
Lemoyne, PA 17043

Saturday, April 2, 2016

Viewing at Church from 9:00 am to 10:45 am
Funeral Service 11:00
Celebration Banquet in Church Fellowship Hall

Joan will be interred at the Cheltenham Veteran’s Cemetery in Cheltenham, Maryland at a later date.

Rest in Peace, Precious Child, Sister, Mother, Wife, Nurse, Friend and Christian.

Submitted by Joan’s loving husband, Dave Prediger