Dr. John C. Pannell

John Curtiss Pannell (known to many as “Curt”) was born on February 10, 1949, to the late Curtiss and Mary Lee Pannell in Beckley, West Virginia. John was the eldest of five children, a role he carried with pride, responsibility, and quiet strength throughout his life. He was followed in birth by his siblings: Eloise, William (Billy), Pamela, and Angela. Our beloved John departed this life on Sunday, May 3, 2026, at Adventist HealthCare Fort Washington Medical Center. John received his formal education in West Virginia Public Schools and graduated from Stratton High School in Beckley, West Virginia, at the young age of 16. He then attended Howard University in Washington, DC, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology. While at Howard, John was actively involved in several organizations, including Alpha Phi Omega Fraternity. It was also at Howard University that he met the love of his life, Sheila Thompson, a fellow student. On March 1, 1975, John and Sheila were joined in holy matrimony. From their loving union, they were blessed with one beautiful daughter, Juanita Christina, affectionately known as “Chrisie.” Chrisie was truly the apple of her daddy’s eye. Following his graduation from Howard University, John began his professional career with the District of Columbia Public Schools. As a fluent Spanish speaker, his first position was an English as a Second Language (ESL) teacher. Early in his career, John recognized his deep passion for education and helping others learn. This passion led him to enroll at George Washington University in Washington, DC, where he earned a Master of Arts degree in Urban Learning. He later earned his Doctorate of Pedagogy (Education) from New England College in Henniker, New Hampshire, after which he was professionally known as “Dr. Pannell.” His unwavering commitment to children and education led to him earning numerous awards and honors, including DC’s Ward 8 “Principal of the Year” for three consecutive years, “Outstanding Principal of the Year” on several occasions, and “Outstanding Male Educator.” His remarkable work and leadership were also recognized in several national publications, including Time Magazine (December 21, 1992), Black Achievers (March 1993), Executive Educator Magazine (October 1993), and The Washington Post (April 1998). In keeping with his lifelong commitment to service, Dr. Pannell was initiated into Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated. Throughout his distinguished career, Dr. Pannell held many roles in education, including Special Education Program Assistant, Social Worker, Guidance Counselor, Vice Principal, and Principal at various schools in Washington, DC. He graced the halls of Lincoln Jr. High, Douglas Jr. High, Ballou Senior High, and Malcolm X Elementary. He retired from Friendship Public Charter School as Principal of the Chamberlain Elementary Campus in 2005. After retirement, Dr. Pannell joyfully embraced his newest and favorite role, Granddad. Known lovingly as “Pop-Pop”, he adored his two grandsons, Charlie and Johnathan. Anyone who spent more than five minutes in conversation with him knew that his grandboys were the newest sparks of joy in his life. On any given weekend, John could be found proudly supporting his grandsons at their many sporting events or sharing his love of fishing with them. Even as his health declined, and he could not be there in person, John found creative ways to remain present. He would often stream the games in real-time or ask someone to FaceTime him with the camera turned toward the court or field. He was determined to cheer on his grandboys, never missing an opportunity to show his love and support. John was a man of many talents, especially in music. He excelled in playing the trombone, piano, and organ. During most of his teenage years, John served as the church organist for New Hope Baptist Church in Beckley, West Virginia. He later played the keyboard in an R&B/Funk band called Things and Stuff, performing throughout the Washington, DC metropolitan area for four years. John deeply loved music and was affectionately known as the neighborhood DJ. On any sunny day, you could find him outside, filling the cul-de- sac with Motown classics, lifting spirits and putting everyone who heard them in a good mood. John was also an avid outdoorsman. He loved it all - riding motorcycles, camping, hunting, fishing, and boating. His free days were spent literally “sitting on the dock of the bay” with his fishing pole in hand. On other days he enjoyed his boat, “Old Skool”, cruising the Potomac River. John was preceded in death by his siblings Eloise Copney, Pamela Pannell, and William Pannell. John will continue to live in the hearts and minds of those who love him and cherish the memories of their time with him. Rejoicing in his life are his wife of fifty-one years, Sheila; daughter, Juanita Battle (Charles II); sister, Angela Booker (Ronnie) of Beckley, WV; two grandsons, Charles E. Battle III (age 16) and Johnathan Chase Battle (age 14); brother-in-law, Phillip Copney, Sr., and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and many other relatives and friends.

Tributes

Dr. John C. Pannell

February 10, 1949 - May 3, 2026