Joann Hale

Jo Ann Hale, 83 years old, of Scott, Louisiana, passed away peacefully on December 27, 2025 surrounded by her family. She was born on March 10, 1942, in Tucson, Arizona to Richard and Marian Potter. At the age of ten years old, Jo Ann contracted polio. This illness affected the rest of her life, and taught her how to smile and use her sense of humor to deal with the physical pain. Her son fondly remembers hearing Jo Ann singing, “The Joy of the Lord is my strength” as she did housework and took care of her family.

On September 25, 1965, Jo Ann married her college sweetheart, Max K. Hale Jr., in Plainview, Texas. They met at Wayland Baptist University while they were both in college. In 1969, Max and Jo Ann welcomed their son, Brian. Together, they moved to many different cities for God’s interest, spreading the news of the gospel and aiding in the establishing of several local churches throughout Texas and Louisiana. Jo Ann lived a life fervently serving the Lord Jesus, whom she loved. She could often be found singing hymns, playing the piano, serving fellow believers, praying, calling others to fellowship on the phone, writing letters to encourage others, and taking every opportunity to speak about her Lord Jesus and His deep impact on her life.

Jo Ann is lovingly survived by her husband of 60 years, Max K. Hale Jr., their son, Brian, daughter-in-law, Danika, and grandson, Max, as well as her nephew, Clint, and niece Teresa. She is preceded in death by her parents, Richard and Marian Potter, sister, Mary Winston, and brother, Clinton Potter.

The family would like to graciously thank Nursing Specialties and especially Southern Grace Hospice for their dedicated and compassionate care of Jo Ann. The care and dedication they showed brought her family much peace and encouragement. May the Lord abundantly bless the loving hands that cared for Jo Ann.

Visitation and a Celebration of Life meeting will be held at Greenoaks Funeral Home, 9595 Florida Blvd., Baton Rouge, LA on January 24, 2026 beginning at 10:00am. Internment will follow at Greenoaks Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Jo Ann‘s name to Bibles for America (www.biblesforamerica.com). “Our Savior God desires all men to be saved and to come to the full knowledge of the truth.” 1 Timothy 2:3–4