Joan Thomas Hall Harrelson, 87, completed her amazing journey on earth, passing away after a courageous and hard-fought battle with Leukemia at Gordon Hospice House in Statesville, N.C., on Friday, January 27, 2023.
Joan was born on September 17, 1935, in Fayetteville, N.C. She graduated from Fayetteville High School and then moved several times, before settling in Statesville. She retired from Davis Hospital in 2000 after a 20-year career as Secretary to the Nursing Administration. Joan was committed and dedicated to her work and developed lifelong relationships with many of the staff there.
A lady of strong faith, Joan was a devoted member of Forest Park Presbyterian Church. She served on many committees, previously taught Sunday School classes, kept impeccable records as the former Church Historian, and was the past president of the Women of the Church. She served as both a Deacon and Elder, and was a recipient of the Women of the Church Honorary Life Membership. She was the “Greeter extraordinaire.’ No visitor ever entered Forest Park that she did not personally welcome, with many later becoming members.
Being blessed with a likable personality, Joan made everyone around her happy. Her quick wit and sense of humor was most unique. She had a multitude of wonderful friends who were of great comfort throughout her life, and she loved reading, working challenging jig-saw puzzles, and playing cards. Joan loved to travel and visited many beautiful cities and countries. She often became lifelong friends with those she met. She was also a proud SHS Grenadier Band “mom” and enjoyed supporting their many trips.
Joan was preceded in death by her parents, Brandon and Jean Hall; and by a brother-in-law Jim Helms.
Those left to cherish her memory include her children whom she dearly loved, Rod Harrelson (Pam) of Morganton, Larry Harrelson (Pam) of Black Mountain, and Donna Norfleet (Byron) of Santa Rosa Beach, Fla. She is also survived by six grandchildren, Heather Harrelson of Wilmington, Evan Harrelson (Leah) of Hudson, Brad Harrelson of Black Mountain, Dr. Andrew Harrelson of St. Louis, Mo., Douglas Norfleet (Julia) of Washington, D.C., and Georgia Webb (Natey) of Ft. Worth, Texas; and three great-grandchildren, Carley, Emilee, and Frank Harrelson. Further family survivors include a brother, Brandon Hooper Hall (Gretta) of Fayetteville; a sister Linda Helms of Cherryville; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Her family gives thanks for the blessed life of Joan Harrelson and the light of goodness and kindness that shone around her each day. Mrs. Harrelson will lie in state on Thursday, February 2, from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Troutman Funeral Home. A graveside service will be held at 3 p.m. Thursday at Oakwood Cemetery followed by a 4 p.m. memorial service at Forest Park Presbyterian Church with the Rev. Rob Watkins officiating. The family will visit with friends following the service.
Memorials may be made to Forest Park Presbyterian Church, 1026 Davie Avenue, Statesville, NC 28677, or to Hospice and Palliative Care of Iredell County, 2347 Simonton Road, Statesville, NC 28645. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.troutmanfuneralhome.com.
Troutman Funeral Home is serving the family.