Mrs. Joanne Hall McKemie

Joanne Hall McKemie, 88, of Albany, Georgia passed peacefully on Monday, August 26, 2024 at her son’s residence in Rome, Georgia. Service will be held Saturday, August 31 at 2:00 PM at Porterfield Methodist Church in Albany, GA, the Rev. Keith Ivey officiating. Family will greet friends at the parlor of Porterfield Methodist Church between the hours of 12 Noon and 2:00 PM, preceding the service. A private graveside service will be held following the service for immediate family. Joanne was a lifelong resident of Albany and graduated from Albany High School class of 1954. She married the love of her life, Mack, on April 7, 1955, to whom she was married for 64 years. Together they were charter members of the Alpha Sunday School class at Porterfield Methodist. She was active in the Stephen’s Ministry at her church, visiting the elderly and those unable to attend weekly services. Joanne’s vibrancy and charisma drew people to her. She was lovingly known by her grandchildren and by the community as “Momama”, especially following her role on Fox 31 News with Rob Stone in the segment “Momama’s Picks”. Known for her Halloween antics, Joanne and her cousin and best friend, Jamye Ivey, visited the elementary schools of Albany annually, dressed as witches, reading to the students, and handing out candy. They always made Halloween special for the neighborhood children with elaborate spooks and costumes, serving up cups of “bats blood” from the cauldron of Kool-Aid. She had a servant’s heart and a leader’s mind, making her an integral part of the Albany community. She served as president or an officer in some capacity of numerous organizations: American Heart Association, Girl Scout Council, United Way, Albany Junior Service League, and Women in Network. Her ability to raise funds and motivate people was a gift. Joanne served as the Director of Public Relations at Palmyra Park Hospital for 10 years, and was a recipient of the Frist Award. She received her award from Dr. Frist himself in Nashville, Tennessee. She later served as Director of Dougherty County Medical Society for over 25 years. She was active with the Medical Association of Georgia for many years attending seminars and events across the state. In retirement, Joanne and Mack enjoyed coastal living on St. George Island, FL. They made wonderful memories with family and friends at their residence, joyfully known as Doc’s Deck. After the death of Mack, Joanne lived with her daughter, Delle, and son-in-law, Mike. In her later years Joanne moved to the Spires at Berry College in Rome, GA to be closer to her son Mac. She was cared for by a wonderful team of nurses, CNA’s, and activity staff, that loved her dearly. Mac and Tracey then brought her to their “Home on the Hill”, as she called it, where she was surrounded by love and laughter until she went to be with her Lord and Savior. Above all else, Joanne was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. Her love for Christ and her church was infectious and showed through her daily living. Joanne was preceded in death by her parents, Judson and Madelle Hall, her husband Dr. C.R. McKemie, Jr., grandson C.R. “Clay” McKemie IV, and nephew Robert Middleton, whom she raised following his parents’ death. Survivors include her daughter, Delle Mckemie Clark (Mike) Albany, GA, her son Dr. C.R. “Mac” McKemie III (Tracey) Rome, GA; grandchildren Michael B. Clark, Jr. (Kristen) Albany, GA, Judson M. Clark (Maggie) Albany, GA, Robert J. Middleton IV (Lindsey) St. Simons, GA, Jessica M. Reynolds (Cameron) Atlanta, GA, Kyndall McKemie, Macon, GA, John Robert McKemie, Washington D.C., Brittany Sorrells (Seth) Cedartown, GA, Bear Crowder (Caitlin) Rome, GA; 13 great-grandchildren; and her “Sister” (first-cousin) Jamye Ivey (Ed) Albany, GA. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made, in memory of Joanne, to Samaritans Purse.

Mrs. Joanne Hall McKemie

October 18, 1935 - August 26, 2024