Alice Joanne Qualls

The vibrant spirit that was Alice "Joanne" Qualls joined her loved ones in heaven at 92 years of age on May 4, 2026, from Foothill Ranch, CA. Born Alice Joanne Baber on February 18, 1934, in Savannah, New York, she often recounted her birth with characteristic vividness: "along the Canadian border, in fifty (50) degree below zero (0) weather, with a mid wife who had travelled great lengths to ensure her delivery." These were her exact words, recorded in recent months, testament to an impressive arrival against many odds – a theme that resonated throughout her life.

As a young girl, Joanne navigated the challenges of the Great Depression, witnessing five wars spanning her lifetime. She grew up with a victory garden, helping to raise chickens, geese, cows, dogs, and cats. This early experience undoubtedly paved the way for her lifelong dedication to saving countless animals. As a child, she cherished playing piano and singing with her Mother, and her love for dance endured throughout her years. A devout woman, she frequently attended The First Church of God, even serving in the ministry as a missionary in Mexico.

Joanne was a woman of many talents and passions. She taught herself to sew, creating numerous outfits for the children in her family. She loved reading, writing, drawing and collecting, and found immense joy in sharing wine, life experiences, and laughter with close friends and family. Her laughter was as jovial and as grand as her personality, always leaving a lasting impression on everyone she met.

Her professional life was diverse; she earned her Cosmetology License, worked at Lilly Tulip in manufacturing for several years, and later became a beloved Hostess for fifteen years at Sire's Bar & Grill, later known as Joe's Bar & Grill. Joanne faced adversity with remarkable resilience, beating cancer twice – a stage four melanoma in the 1970s and Squamous cell in 2021.

Community-minded, she frequently volunteered as an election poll worker and served as a teacher's assistant at Twinhill Elementary School in Riverside, CA, where she resided for most of her adult life. All the while, she almost single-handedly raised four successful children. To say she lived an eccentric and eclectic life would be an understatement. These rich experiences helped shape her most important roles as a Daughter, a Sister, a Mother, and a Grandmother.

Joanne is survived by her daughter Jolee Burdette, sons Joe Bloodworth and Jehu Bloodworth, and daughter Jezelle Dodson. Her grandchildren include Jason Kurtz, Jennifer Delin, Stacy Bloodworth, Jena Burdette, Angel Reed, Brock Dodson, and Elle Dodson. She also leaves behind great-grandchildren Joshua Barnett, Troy Delin, Aria Delin, Alex Delin, Daniel Bloodworth, James De La Torre, and Joshua Bloodworth.

While Joanne is no longer physically with us, her profound presence will live on in all whose lives she touched. She would want peace and kindness to guide us, and especially for everyone to care for animals and consider rescuing one in her honor. She specifically requested that we throw her a party to celebrate her life, discouraging anyone from lingering in mourning a life so beautifully and audaciously lived against all odds.

Her memory will forever be a beacon of strength, joy, and unwavering love.