UPPER MARLBORO, MD.—Marian Joan Caster Geason of Upper Marlboro, Md., passed peacefully on January 29, 2020, into eternal rest at the Anne Arundel Medical Center surrounded by family.
She was the daughter of the late James and Maria Smith Caster, born on May 23, 1940. She was the ninth of 11 children born into a family grounded in abundant love and abiding faith.
Marian (aka Joan) dedicated her life to Christ at an early age and was baptized at Calvary Baptist Church. It was during her formative years at Calvary Baptist Church that her love for music was birthed. Under the tutelage of Mrs. Fannie Nickens, she became proficient on the piano and played for Calvary Baptist Church Sunday School. Upon relocating to Maryland, Joan became a member of East Washington Heights Baptist Church. As a member, she participated in the choir and the musical bells chorus.
Joan received her early education in Northumberland County where she graduated from Julius Rosenwald High School in 1958. It was her love of education and music that led her to attend Hampton Institute. While attending Hampton Institute, Joan studied with the distinguished composer, conductor and pianist Roland M. Carter. She earned a bachelor of arts in music education in 1962. Following graduation, Joan continued her education at Hampton Institute with enrollment in summer workshops; which included the inaugural years of the Hampton Jazz Festival where she studied with various jazz legends of the time.
Joan was an outstanding educator for over 50 years. She embarked on her career as a music teacher at Brookvale High School in Lancaster. During the summers she also taught in the Head Start Program. She later relocated to Maryland where she continued teaching music in Prince George’s and Charles counties at the elementary school level. Students loved Mrs. Geason for her ability to expose them to all genres of music. School faculty and parents looked forward to the many musical performances throughout the school year. Pride radiated within the family when Joan showed her student holiday musical videos.
Joan married Paul J. Geason and to this union of love of her life was born, her son, Sean. Family was her number one priority. Always showing her “expertise” telling family members what, where and how, holiday dinners should be planned. She often opened her home in Clinton, Md., to host family Thanksgiving gatherings and backyard barbecues. There was never a shortage of fun when she was around as she was quick to crack a joke and get the room to erupt in laughter. Several of her nieces and nephews stayed with her during their transition from college student to career professionals. Her grandchildren loved their special time and Saturday outings with grandma and she adored them immensely.
Always the family “fashionista” Joan set the stage for dress for family events, especially advising her nieces on the appropriate attire, accessories and hairstyles. They all could look to Joan for the latest styles.
Her interest in current events has always kept her tuned to her favorite cable news networks. As a sports enthusiast, she followed football, basketball and baseball of local college and professional teams in the DMV area.
She was preceded in death by her parents; three brothers, Robert J. Caster, Herman P. Caster and Edmond B. Caster; and two sisters, Lois C. Winstead and Patricia O. Caster.
Her cherished memories will forever be shared by her beloved son, Sean L. Geason, daughter-in-law Atiya, and four grandchildren, Jordan, Jalen, Michelle and Alyssa; two sisters, Ruth Ball and Dorothy Caster; three brothers, Willis H. Caster (Rosetta), John Henry O. Caster and Benjamin R. Caster (Otelia); numerous nieces and nephews; and a host of other loving relatives and friends.
Her funeral service was held February 9 at Calvary Baptist Church in Kilmarnock, followed by interment at Calvary Baptist Church Memorial Cemetery.
