Joann

I’m sad to report that my mother-in-law, Joann Felsing, a truly spectacular soul, died Monday, Dec. 23, here at our home. She had been under hospice care after being diagnosed with lymphoma. She slipped away peacefully. All three of her children were here to say goodbye.

I could write a million words about her, but for now I think I’ll let the obituary suffice. Thanks to all for your love and support. — TT

CHARLOTTE – Joann Elizabeth Brooks Felsing died peacefully at home on Monday, December 23, 2024. She was 88.

Joann loved the Smoky Mountains, mysteries by Dick Francis and Lee Child, and ice cream. She called herself a country mouse despite having lived in New York City twice. She spent much of her last five years sunning on the porch in Charlotte, waving at and chatting with neighbors-especially the dogs and children.

Joann was born on February 15, 1936, in Rogersville, Tenn., to Charlie Ray Brooks and Alix Brooks. She graduated from the University of Tennessee in 1958, then took a train to New York City to attend Union Theological Seminary. At Union, in the spring 1959, she met a fellow student, Dick Felsing, just as he was about to graduate. They fell in love immediately, married that fall, and moved to first Illinois and then Dick's home state of Wisconsin. She and Dick had three children, and she loved to tell stories about the five of them shoveling snow together in winter: one-hour shifts, with breaks for hot chocolate. Joann and Dick taught language arts in the Manitowoc, Wis., public schools for years, relying on experiential learning and storytelling skills. Each year Joann would hand off some of her junior-high students to Dick up at Lincoln High School, sometimes with detailed instructions.

Joann and Dick spent their lives together fighting for progressive causes. Joann volunteered for Planned Parenthood, marched for women's rights, and contributed to the Friends Committee for National Legislation-a Quaker organization that promotes peace, justice and environmental stewardship. They worshipped as Quakers.

She missed her beloved mountains, so Joann and Dick moved to East Tennessee when they retired. They met a neighbor who built them a house on a handshake deal, and they made a whole new group of close friends. Joann and Dick continued to work and volunteer as blue dots in a deep red state. They also enjoyed books and flowers and trips to the farmers' market. Joann's life was based on decency and kindness and a love of nature. She always lit up when she saw the mountains.

Joann and Dick lived on The Ridge until Dick's death in 2017. She moved to Charlotte in 2019 and eventually moved in with her daughter, Alix Felsing, and son-in-law, Tommy Tomlinson. She was a generous and often hilarious housemate. The final creature she raised was her feral kitten named Jack Reacher. He was a wild child but has mellowed considerably.

Survivors include her children, Alix Felsing (Tommy Tomlinson) of Charlotte, Rich Felsing of Olympia, Wash., and Christie Felsing of Hartford, Conn.; Dick's godsons, Steve Stathas (Carol) of Phoenix, Gary Felsing (Sandy) of New Berlin, Wis., and Mark Felsing (Julia) of Kenosha, Wis., and legion of extended family members and friends. She is preceded in death by her husband; her parents; and her brother, Charlie Ray Brooks Jr. of Sevierville, Tenn.

There was a memorial service at 2:00 PM on Monday, December 30, 2024, at the West Knoxville Friends Meeting, 1517 Meeting House Road in Knoxville, Tenn. A memorial service in Charlotte will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, consider donating to the Friends Committee on National Legislation (fcnl.org), an organization she supported for many years.

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Ave., Charlotte, NC 28204; (704) 641-7606. Online condolences may be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.