JoAnn L George

In the early morning hours of September 2, 2022 our mom, JoAnn Ledbetter George, quietly passed on in her sleep. But, happy memories of a life well-lived continue. Mom was born on October 30, 1931 to Evelyn and Arthur "Leddy" Ledbetter in Clovis, CA. When she was only 1, the family moved to Tulare, CA. She attended Cherry Ave. School and graduated from Tulare Union High School in 1949. She attended Fresno State for a short time as a music major. At the age of 18, on a blind date set up by good friends, she met Alan George who would later become her husband. On September 23, 1950 they were married in an outdoor wedding at her parent's home in Tulare. Their marriage was full of many adventures including hiking and camping trips; trips to Australia, New Zealand, Tahiti, Fiji, Mexico, and Hawaii; 37 cruises, including 13 on riverboats; and visits to many other US destinations. Mom and the rest of the family spent many years active in the Visalia Methodist Church on Main St. She sang regularly in the church choir and also volunteered as a Youth group advisor. Other community activities she participated in included the Visalia Garden Club and the Tulare County Historical Society. One particular highlight in her life was the year the family lived in Australia (1964-1965). That later led to return trips and multiple "Aussies" visiting our home. Other highlights were when she and Dad were Grand Marshalls in the 2007 Visalia Christmas parade and when she participated as a paid extra in the 1947 Disney film "So Dear to My Heart". She also worked at Ensigns in downtown Visalia and as a noon duty aide at Divisadero Junior High School for 11 years as a noon duty aide. Mom was a very kind and generous person to everyone she met. I don't think she ever realized how much she meant to so many people because of her kindness and generosity. If you were a door to door salesperson or someone spreading the word of God, she would welcome you into her home to share a cold drink. She loved all animals and rescued many over the years, including a Maltese (Stuart) who was so special to her in the last 7 years of her life. Surviving family members include daughter, Kathy of Visalia; son, Randy of Arroyo Grande; grandson, Jeff Lillibridge and wife Emilie and her 2 great grandsons Eli and Asher all of Maryland. Other cousins, very dear to her, are also surviving. Those who predeceased her include her Mom and Dad, Evelyn and Arthur "Leddy" Ledbetter; and husband of 69 years, Alan George, who passed in April 2019. Her family would like to say a big THANK YOU to the wonderful staff at Quail Park Cypress (The Lodge and EAL) for their loving care and compassion. Also, to Kindred Hospice, we can't thank you enough for the care in making her last few months as comfortable as possible. We appreciated the twice weekly RN visits to reassure us that Mom's needs were being addressed. Mom requested no service and her ashes will be scattered at a later date. If you choose to donate in her memory she had asked that donations be made to the Valley Oak SPCA, 9800 Camp Dr., Visalia, CA 93291 or any other animal rescue of your choice. No doubt her smile, laughter, and kindness will be missed by so many, especially by her family. Services have been entrusted to Salser & Dillard Funeral Chapel. Memorial Tributes and condolences may be offered by logging onto www.salseranddillard.com.

JoAnn L George

October 30, 1931 - September 2, 2022