Joanne Allen (née Bush) was born on August 6, 1966, to Velma Smith and Augustus Bush. She transitioned from this life on December 20, 2025, at the age of 59.
For many years, Joanne dedicated her life’s work to Hawthorne Cedar Knoll (HCK), where she became far more than staff, she became a safe place, a shield, a mentor, and a mother figure to generations of children who needed one.
She shaped young lives for many years at (HCK), where children who are now adults still remember her. There are voices today that still echo the same truth:
“Wouldn’t have made it through Hawthorne without her.”
“She made hard days feel easier.”
“She cursed us out, but it made us better.”
“Heaven gained one of the realest angels.”
When Joanne moved to Ohio, it was for one reason above all: family.
After settling in Ohio, Joanne pursued another passion and graduated from cosmetology school at Regency Beauty Institute.
Joanne was the heart of her family and the soul of every room she entered. She carried a unique balance, the coldest and realest, yet the warmest and most loving. Outgoing, nurturing, blunt, and deeply loyal, she was known to curse you out one minute and love on you the next. Her door stayed open and her home stayed full because caring for others wasn’t just what she did, it was who she was. No one was ever turned away.
She lived a life anchored in family, connection, and community. Joanne valued communication and checked on everyone, constantly. Whether you needed advice, comfort, a laugh, or a meal, she showed up every time, especially for those she loved. She was the rock, the glue, the protector, and the unapologetic voice of truth when needed.
Joanne was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Velma Smith and Augustus Bush, and her brother, Ali Vaughn
Joanne is survived by her beloved children: Rayshawn Bush, Rainelle Henry, and Richard Allen. She also leaves behind her adored three granddaughters, who held the softest part of her heart: Raegan Bush, Marlo Bush, and Riott Bush. They were her pride and her joy. Joanne was also a deeply loved mother-in-law to Cinnamon Bush, sister-in-law to Tameka Vaughn & Carrie Bush.
She is also survived by her siblings: Tyrone Bush, Arkimeem Vaughn, Ishmel Brown, and Harrison, along with a host of cousins, nieces and nephews, far too many to name, but never too many for her to love.
A true matriarch in every sense, Joanne led not by title but by love and presence. She mentored, mothered, corrected and supported countless family members and friends. She made everyone feel seen, checked on, and cared for.
Her legacy lives loud….not in perfection, but in truth, love, loyalty, humor, meals shared, and hearts she healed without even trying.
She now rests in eternal peace, reunited in the presence of God with those she loved and lost. Her love continues to live in every memory shared, every life she touched, and every heart she helped shape along the way. She will be missed dearly, loved always, and remembered forever.
Visitation will be held on Monday, December 29, 2025, from 4:00 pm until 5:00 pm at The Posh Venue, 133 Merriman Rd. Akron, Oh 44303. Funeral service will immediately follow.