Joan C. Gilcrist

Joan Cecelia Alphonso Gilcrist, who loved to be called “Mommom” by her grandchildren, made her Heavenly transition on Thursday, February 29, 2024. 

She was born in Harrisburg on January 28, 1934 to Harold and Celestine (Crummel) Alphonso. 

Joan was mother to Andrea and John. She raised her children with love and devotion with her husband John.

She was employed by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Department of General Services, where she worked faithfully for over 30 years. 

Joan was a LOVER of sports; she was a swimmer, ran track, played softball, volleyball, and basketball at the historic Forster Street YMCA. She was a John Harris Booster Club Mom and faithful supporter of her son’s sports; and supported her family at their sporting events as long she could. You could always find her at the games, and after the game she would ask “Did you hear me hollering?” She enjoyed watching Franco Harris, Anthony Davis and her favorite team, the Pittsburgh Steelers.

She enjoyed family gatherings and trips to Atlantic City, Las Vegas and Myrtle Beach. She shared her special foods and looked forward to planning bus trips with her former club “The Highlites” - which was a gathering of friends for over 20 years. 

Sewing was a PASSION of hers! If you had anything that needed repaired, she would hook you up. She was creative and loved making things for her family; prom gowns, pillows, blankets, and baby gifts.

She was “hooked” on watching Westerns such as Gunsmoke, Cheyenne and Rawhide. She loved horses and even went to visit a horse just 3 weeks ago.

Her hobbies also included planting flowers, doing puzzles, shopping, selling Avon, and making cookies and fudge for her family. She volunteered at the Antioch Tabernacle Food Pantry and was well loved by the Harrisburg community.

She cared deeply for her family. She was a faithful Mom, Mommom, Sister, Auntie, Cousin and Friend. She opened her house and heart to everyone. Her family was blessed to recently celebrate her 90^th birthday with her, which made her very happy! 

Along with her parents, Joan is preceded in death by her husband of 69 years; her daughter, Andrea Gilcrist; and her sister and brother in law, Margaret and Robert Hume, Sr.

She will forever be remembered by her son and daughter in law, John and Tara; 6 grandchildren, D’Lone, D’Andrea, Kirstin, Antonio, Anniya, and John Jr.; and 2 great grandchildren, Daniel and Vivienne; a brother and sister in law, Jesse Sr. and Connice Alphonso; sister in law, Ruth Gilcrist; 12 nieces and nephews, Celestine, Robert Jr., Connice, Timothy Sr., Candace, Jesse Jr., JeCon Sr., Barbara Ann, Donald, Wendy, Keith and Todd; great nieces and nephews; many cousins; one God daughter, Karen Clark; and many dear friends.

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27