Ellen “Jo Ann” Belcher, born August 8, 1931, went to be with the Lord on Thursday, April 26, 2012. She was a member of Gardendale First Baptist Church and a former member of the Eastern Star.

Joann was preceded in death by her parents; William Orton and Della Mae Pearson; and her sister, Artie Mae Derby.

She is survived by her loving husband of 61 years, Dick Belcher; four children, Mark (Martha) of Leeds, Richard (Donna) of Vacaville, Calif. David (Kim) of Gardendale, and Geoff (Mim) of Alabaster; nine grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and her sister, Willie Mae Durst.

The family would like to express their thanks to the staff of Vitas Hospice, Nurse Jane, and Teresa Thompson during their time of need.

Visitation will be held at Ridout’s Gardendale Chapel on Sunday, April 29, 2012 from 6 to 8 pm, with funeral services on Monday, April 30, 2012 beginning at 11 a.m. in the chapel, officiated by Brother Leon Zalenski and interment in Oakwood Memorial Gardens.