Joan B Kite
September 16, 1963 ~ July 8, 2025
Resided in:
Nashville, Tennessee
With deep sadness, but with gratitude for her life and legacy, we share news of the sudden passing of Joan Kite — a beloved friend, fierce advocate, and cherished member of our community.
Joan Beth Kite was born in Florida on September 16, 1963. Her life was a testament to resilience, intellect, and the power of justice-seeking love. A former journalist for the Miami Herald, Joan brought her exceptional writing skills to Tennessee, contributing her talents at Tennessee State University and, more recently, Meharry Medical College where she served as Research Communications Editor.
Her words carried truth and care, and she never stopped writing — whether professionally, or as a member of The Word Witches, or simply for the joy of storytelling. Shortly before her passing she branched out into radio, guest producing two episodes for Nashville Public Radio’s show “This is Nashville.” One such episode chronicled green witches’ use of holistic means–herbs, plants, and the rhythms of the lunar and solar cycles–to heal and nurture themselves, others and the Earth.
Several years ago, Joan experienced a devastating accident that resulted in a months-long coma. Believing she would not survive, a court-appointed conservator shut down her apartment and donated her belongings. But Joan defied all odds. She awakened. She learned to walk again. When she was discharged, she had little more than the clothes on her back. Yet she started over — rebuilding her life with courage and determination.
Joan lived at the Mission before finding a new home — an affordable apartment where she could do what she loved: garden. She often expressed deep gratitude to her landlord for providing not just a roof over her head, but a space where she could grow food and reconnect with the earth. For Joan, housing was not just about shelter; it was about dignity, healing, and wholeness.
Joan was a faithful member of NOAH’s (Nashville Organized for Action and Hope) Affordable Housing Task Force and participated in NOAH’s Integrated Voter Engagement work, always showing up for justice. She believed in the power of community organizing, the right of every person to have a safe and affordable place to live, the right to vote, and everyone’s right to have a say in the policies and decisions that affect their lives.
She was a member of the First Unitarian Universalist Church of Nashville and a lifelong learner who found joy in Greek mythology, the goddess Hecate, and the written word. Joan loved Taylor Swift and Alanis Morissette, adored her cats, and was a dedicated volunteer at Cheekwood Botanical Gardens. She believed everyone should learn to grow their own food and lived her values with quiet strength and conviction.
Joan passed away on July 8, 2025. We will miss her voice, her gentleness, her wisdom, and her fire. May we carry her spirit forward in the work we do and in the justice we seek.
“I’ll tell you something right now — I’d rather bleed than let them squeeze what’s left out of me.”
— Taylor Swift, “Daddy I Love Him”
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With over four decades of experience as an editor, writer, photographer, designer, and storyteller, she transformed our communications into compelling narratives that captured the spirit of Meharry’s mission. Her words gave voice to our researchers and students, elevating their work and illuminating the purpose of Meharry with clarity and purpose. Many of Joan’s pieces were featured in the Meharry Digest. Through her thoughtful stewardship of our Research and Innovation communications, she helped shape how the world sees the groundbreaking work of our scholars and learners.
Joan’s journey is rooted in a lifelong devotion to truth, education, health, and community. From her early years as a crime reporter in Miami, Los Angeles, and San Bernardino, to leading agricultural communications at Tennessee State University, and ultimately to her contributions at Meharry, she remained an unflinching advocate for healthcare research and the public good. She believed in the power of storytelling to change hearts, uplift voices, and spark understanding. Joan was more than a colleague—she was a mentor, team player, and a creative force. Her warmth, wit, and wisdom touched all who had the privilege of knowing her. Whether behind the camera or at her desk, Joan worked with humility and heart. Her absence is deeply felt—not only across our campus but in every life her words and presence touched.
We extend our deepest condolences to Joan’s family, friends, and all who walked with her on this remarkable journey. As we honor her memory today, we recommit ourselves to the values she embodied: integrity in storytelling, advocacy in service, and compassion in leadership. May her soul rest in peace. May her words, her passion, and legacy continue to guide and inspire us.
With gratitude and remembrance,
Anil Shanker, M.S., Ph.D.
Senior Vice President for Research and Innovation
Meharry Medical College
Joan – you were one of a kind. We will miss you at NOAH.
Brian Zralek