Ms. Joanne Russellyn DeShield Bright, 63 of Charlotte, passed away on Saturday September 7, 2019 at Novant Presbyterian.  She was born on August 23, 1956 to the union of the late John Russell DeShield, Sr. and Mai Benson DeShield in Monrovia, Liberia.  During her infancy she was baptized at The First United Methodist Church.  Her godparents included the late Ambassador George A. Padmore, Mr. Emmett Cooper, and Mrs. Aquila Gibson.

Joanne was a profound believer in Christ and a staunch member of the United Methodist denomination in Liberia as well as the United States.  She joined the youth choir at the first church in Liberia.  She loved singing and music.  She also attended and completed the Charlotte Watkins of Music in Monrovia where she learned to play the piano.  Joanne also loved to cook, especially Liberian dishes.  She had a unique memory when it came to people's birthdays.  Joanne knew everyone's birthday and would call to express happy birthday wishes on those days.  This gesture became traditional up until the week of her death, precisely the night prior to her demise.

She attended Saint Teresa's Convent in Monrovia where she met many of her long-time friends and confidants.  Joanne would still keep in touch with many of them today.  Upon graduation she continued her education at the University of Liberia where she graduated in 1980 with a degree in Business Management.

She was employed at the Ministry of Public Works where she held several positions prior to becoming an assistant in the office of the late Public Works Minister Gabriel Johnson Tucker.  Joanne lived much of her adult life in Silver Spring, Md.  where she married and gave birth to two children, Kelvin I R Bright and Raquel Bright Howard.

As life would have it, change always shows its face.  Joanne and her daughter Raquel moved to Charlotte, NC where her brother John lives. Joanne joined Simpson Gillespie United Methodist Church and was a member until her death.  After a long eight-year battle with cancer Joanne Russellyn Bright DeShield answered God's call and transitioned to her new and eternal home.

Jonanne was predeceased by her parents and is survived by her children, Kelvin I. R. Bright, Raquel Bright Howard (Steve); her siblings, John R. DeShield, Jr., (Cynthia), Hawa Dennis, Angeline Hunter (Thomas) and James Gbollie (Grace), and Nellie Sidifall (Reuben) in addition to several nieces, nephews, cousins, god-sisters and god-brothers, and many friends and associates in Liberia, United States, and other parts of the world. She will be missed beyond measure.

To God is the glory, Rest in Perfect Peace.