How blessed I was to have known & to be loved by Joan...

Dearest Joan,

You met me in a time of my life when I needed exactly you. Like a shining light in the darkness, you lifted me, my sister Dottie & my brother Calvin. You saw my hurts & hugged them away. On top of that, you taught me so much about music, musicianship, technique, & believed in me. When I was grown, you asked me if I’d like to open a piano studio with you. That blew me away because there’s no one this planet who is as talented as you. And to see you pass that gift on to your kids and grandkids…what an incredible legacy! I remember not seeing you for many years and then visiting a church that was hours from my home for Christmas Eve, and there you were with your whole family doing your Advent Christmas!! I couldn’t believe it. You got to meet my new husband that night. Many years later, you taught my own baby girl. Oh how that felt like life had come full circle. You have been a second mom to me and my dearest friend. Thank you for loving me, believing in me, for shining your light in this world. There will never be another like you. I can’t wait to see you in heaven someday. I love you, Joan, with all of my heart.

Sending deepest, heartfelt sympathies to the Nassiri family. I’m so deeply sorry and wish I could hug each of you.

-Joy Rollins ( neé Rodgers)