Joan Warner Van Zele

Born January 1, 1926, in Decatur, Ill., she moved with her parents to Tuscaloosa in 1929. A member of Tuscaloosa High School Class of 1942, she attended the University of Alabama. After college she lived in California and Florida then returned to Tuscaloosa.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Herbert and Mildred Warner, and her daughter, Mildred.

She is survived by four grandchildren, David, Helen, Shanda, and Paige; great-grandchildren; and her brother Jack W. Warner and sister Helene Warner Hibbard and their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Joan was known for her many benevolences in Tuscaloosa and other cities. She generously supported public libraries, Hospice, the Tuscaloosa's Children's Hands on Museum (CHOM), Stillman College, Disabled American Veterans, and the Salvation Army. She was also involved in the formation of the Himalayan cat breed and a former president of the African Violet Society. A staunch University of Alabama supporter, a member of the Million Dollar Band, and avid life-long Bama fan, her last day was highlighted by a visit from Big Al.

Services will be 1 p.m. Wednesday, September 14, 2011, at Heritage Chapel. Visitation will be one hour prior to the funeral. Reverend Norman Hibbard will lead the service. Pallbearers will be her nieces and nephews, Helene Loper, Bill Hibbard, Claudia Pearson, Laura Swezey, Elizabeth Obradovich, Joan Prescott, Warner Hibbard, and Wes Hibbard. Entombment will take place at the Westervelt-Warner Mausoleum in Tuscaloosa Memorial Park with Heritage Chapel Funeral Home & Cremations, a Dignity Memorial Provider, directing.

Charitable donations in her memory will be appreciated by the family.