JoAlice Jones Halsell

1932 - 2025

JoAlice Jones Halsell was born May 7, 1932, in Gainesville, FL to Dr. John Hall Jones and Irene Alice Ward Jones Van Cleave. She received her promotion to join her beloved husband Jack, her parents, her younger sister Jennice Karrh and many friends and family on June 24, 2025.

She is survived by her sons John R. Halsell, IV (Melissa), David W. Halsell (Mary Beth); granddaughters Jenna Halsell, Taylor Halsell and Blair Blazey (Matt); great-grandchildren Noah Casey, Garett Halsell, Allyna Yacobellis and Hallie Blazey; bonus grandchildren Larry Schilling (Dena), Matthew Schilling, Daniel Schilling (Randa), Justin Morgan (Lauren) and Tyler Morgan (Elisabeth); bonus great-grandchildren Emma Schilling, Easton Schilling, Madison Schilling, Cora Wiley, Jude Wiley, Andrew Morgan and Olivia Morgan. Survivors also include brother-in-law Bill Karrh, nephews Brent Karrh (Donna), Dale Karrh (Tamara), Alan Karrh (Lyda) and Karrh great nephews and nieces Madison, Bryant, Mitchell, Cassidy, Dylan, Jessie and Natalie.

Moved greatly by a near death experience, JoAlice committed her life to Jesus in baptism and joined University Baptist Church in Shawnee, OK. At nine years of age, she felt she had been spared for some unknown purpose. Hence, all of her life has been one of seeking how best to find and fulfill that purpose in home, church, school and community. In school, she set goals for high grades, earning National Honor Society election at Woodlawn High School in Birmingham, AL; Hypatia Honor Society at Howard College in Birmingham; Secretary of Student Government; French and drama awards. Summer work during college days included working on the state of Ridgecrest Baptist Assembly and Vacation Bible Schools and camps in CA, living in migrant communities, and becoming acutely aware of the needs of the "least of these".

After college graduation, she became Director of Religious Activities at Virginia Intermont College in Bristol, VA working with all faiths and denominations. Knowing she needed more education, two years later she enrolled at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, KY. Career goals changed when she met and married John R. (Jack) Halsell, III, becoming a minister's wife. Teaching Sunday School, leading Vacation Bible Schools, entertaining deacons' groups, planning retreats, visiting new members all became a major focus while giving priority to children's needs and an organized home life. Hence, sewing, baking, gardening and entertaining were family activities along with football, baseball and gymnastics. In Chapel Hill and Atlanta when both sons reached school-age, she taught kindergarten, then returned to school, earning a Master's of Education Degree as a Reading Specialist at Georgia State University.

For 22 years, she taught learning support classes for freshmen students at AA Perimeter College (part of GSU). These were high school graduates under-prepared for college work. Some were non-native English speaking immigrants. All needed help with vocabulary, composition, study and test-taking skills. She was a charter member and president of Metro Atlanta College Developmental Reading Council. JoAlice presented at professional meetings in Chicago, Boston, St. Petersburg, Savannah, Jekyll Island, Valdosta and Atlanta.

Her volunteer work included planning the reading curriculum and teaching in the Saturday School for Perry Homes children at Northside Drive Baptist Church; volunteering in night shelter and foot clinic at Central Presbyterian Church; mentoring some of the Lost Boys from Sudan as tutor and surrogate parent; cooking for Good News at noon at First Presbyterian Church Gainesville; Deacon at Central Congregational Church, Elder at Central Presbyterian Church, Parish Coordinator and Organizer for Church Membership at Central Presbyterian Church, Primetime Choir at First Presbyterian Church Gainesville, Presbyterian Women and Member of Friends of the Opera and Alliance Theater Guild in Atlanta.

Awards: MACDRC Teacher of the Year (1993), Kappa Delta Pi (Education Honor Society) and Honorary Life Member of Presbyterian Women in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)

Hobbies included gardening, reading, travel and camping.

JoAlice and Jack moved to Gainesville, GA in 2010 to enjoy the retirement community of Lanier Village Estates. JoAlice engaged fully in building her community of dear friends and loved ones through her various leadership and volunteer activities. These included 6th Floor West Board Representative, Resident Board Secretary, Altar Guild, Chorus, Follies, Welcome Team for new residents, memoir writing and card playing. Over the years at LVE, she came to know and cherish many dear residents. Their presence, along with the love of family and friends throughout her life, was a source of deep joy. She often said her days were richly blessed by the people who filled them.

Service will be at 2 p.m., on Saturday, July 19, 2025, in the chapel of Lanier Village Estates. Rev. Lee Koontz and Rev. Shon Peppers will officiate. Interment service for the family will be in the columbarium of First Presbyterian Church, Gainesville, GA.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the Outreach and Advocacy Center of Central Presbyterian Church, 201 Washington St SW, Atlanta, GA 30303; First Presbyterian Church Memorial Fund, 800 S. Enota Dr NE, Gainesville, GA 30501; Lanier Village Estates (memo line: LVE Chorus), 4000 Village View Drive, Gainesville, GA 30506; or a charity of your choice.