News Summary
Carol K. Ballance, a beloved Delta Airlines flight attendant and community member, passed away at 78, leaving a legacy of love, service, and family. Born in Indiana, she made significant contributions as a flight attendant, college advisor, and active church member. Ballance is survived by her husband, children, and grandchildren. A visitation and funeral service will honor her life, with donations requested to continue her legacy of generosity.
Atlanta, GA – Carol K. Ballance, a beloved Delta Airlines flight attendant and cherished community member, passed away at the age of 78, leaving behind a rich legacy of love and service. Her vibrant spirit, keen intellect, and unwavering curiosity appointed her a cherished figure among family, friends, and colleagues.
Born on August 21, 1945, in Hammond, Indiana, Ballance’s journey began with a passion for life that sparkled from an early age. Her educational path led her to St. John’s College, and in 1965, she embarked on a career as a flight attendant with Delta Airlines. She married Delta Captain Harry Greene Ballance, Jr. on June 15, 1968, at Covenant Presbyterian Church in Atlanta. Ballance devoted her early years to raising their four children, fostering a household filled with warmth and joy.
In the mid-1980s, Ballance made the decision to return to work, taking on the role of college advisor at Pace Academy. During this time, she also became an influential cheerleading sponsor and coach, where she inspired countless students and young athletes. Her career in the airline industry resumed in 2000 when she returned to Delta Airlines, later transferring to Song Airlines, and ultimately retirement in 2006.
A devout Christian, Ballance participated actively in Northwest Presbyterian Church for decades. She served as President of Presbyterian Women and was a member of the church’s Session, emphasizing her commitment to faith and community service. Ballance was also known for her numerous talents, including her skills as a pianist, certified SCUBA diver, and her love for both water and snow skiing.
In addition to her professional and community contributions, Ballance’s personal life was rich with family adventures. She and her husband traveled extensively, enjoying the beauty of vintage airplanes as they explored different cultures and landscapes. Her passion for life also earned her the title of Florida’s Miss Palatka in 1963, bringing a sense of pride that echoed through her family for generations.
Carol is survived by her husband of 57 years, Harry, and their three children: Katie Ballance Muir, Laura Ballance May, and Harry Greene Ballance, III. Her family legacy continues with sons-in-law James Jeffrey Muir, Mark Ryan Wolff, and Peter Samuel May; daughters-in-law Rhonda Anne Ballance and Jill Wood Wolff; and grandchildren, including Kale Moore, John Muir, Simon May, Dalia May, and August Wolff. Additionally, her great-grandson, James Moore, and her brother Donald Petersen will remember her alongside a beloved mini-Golden Doodle named Daisy Ballance. Carol was preceded in death by her daughter Marthe Ballance Wolff, her mother Edwardine Petersen, and her stepfather Donald Petersen.
A visitation service will be held on July 18th from 5 to 7 p.m. at H.M. Patterson – Oglethorpe Hill Chapel in Brookhaven, GA. The following day, a funeral service is scheduled for July 19th at 11 a.m. at Northwest Presbyterian Church in Atlanta, GA. A lunch reception will take place after the funeral, with a graveside service at Crest Lawn Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, family members suggest donations be made to the Carol K. Ballance Family Foundation at the Community Foundation for Northeast Georgia, continuing her legacy of generosity and community support.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Carol K. Ballance Obituary
- Wikipedia: Delta Air Lines
- H.M. Patterson – Oglethorpe Hill Chapel
- Google Search: Flight Attendant careers
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Presbyterianism
Author: STAFF HERE ATLANTA WRITER
ATLANTA STAFF WRITER The ATLANTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAtlanta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Atlanta, Fulton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as vibrant music festivals like Shaky Knees and Music Midtown, major cultural celebrations including Dragon Con and the Atlanta Film Festival, and iconic sporting events like the Peachtree Road Race. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, beverages, and retail that power the local economy such as Delta Air Lines, The Coca-Cola Company, and The Home Depot. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAugusta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
