News Summary
Joann Felder, a cherished philanthropist in the Atlanta community, has passed away at the age of 93. Known for her love of gardening, dedication to her church, and vibrant family life, Joann’s legacy is marked by her community involvement and a passion for the arts and equestrian sports. Her remarkable contributions will be remembered by many, including her children and grandchildren. A memorial service is set to be held in honor of her life and enduring spirit.
Atlanta – Joann Felder, a beloved member of the Atlanta community and a noted philanthropist, passed away at the age of 93, leaving behind a remarkable legacy of love and service. Born on November 3, 1931, in Waycross, Georgia, Joann touched the lives of many through her passion for gardening, her involvement in her church, and her dedication to her family and friends.
Joann was the only child of the late Mary Virginia Browning of Savannah and the late John Carleton Marshall of Waycross. She began her education at Isabella Street School in Waycross and, after her mother’s marriage to Robert Harry Suits in Jacksonville, FL, continued her studies at Ruth N. Upson School and John Gorrie School. Joann graduated from Robert E. Lee High School in 1949, a precursor to her success at Emory University, where she earned her nursing degree in 1952.
It was at Emory University that Joann met her future husband, Dr. Louis H. Felder, MD, as he completed his medical training after serving in the Air Force during World War II. The couple married on September 20, 1952, and shared a passion for travel, exploring destinations worldwide. A highlight of their travels was a trip to Japan, which inspired the design of their distinctive lake house on Lake Lanier, modeled after a Minka house and featuring unique architectural elements like a sunken dining table.
Joann’s adventurous spirit extended beyond travel. She enjoyed whitewater rafting on the Middle Fork of the Salmon River in Idaho and the Colorado River, and loved spending leisure time at East Beach on St. Simons Island, where she and Louis maintained a retirement home.
Active in her community, Joann made significant contributions to Saint Anne’s Episcopal Church in Atlanta, where she played an instrumental role in designing the church’s Memorial Garden. Additionally, she participated in various Atlanta organizations and clubs, including the Piedmont Women’s Auxiliary, the Member’s Guild of the Atlanta History Center, Cherokee Town & Country Club, and the Cottage Garden Club of Atlanta. Known for her beautiful gardens at her home in Buckhead, Joann also hosted elegant gatherings for the local medical community.
A passionate equestrian, Joann was deeply involved in the hunter-jumper sport, active in the Atlanta Pony Club and a founding member of the Georgia Hunter Jumper Association. She participated in various GHJA Wills Park horse shows alongside lifelong friends, highlighting her love for horses and the sport.
Joann’s family life was equally vibrant. A dedicated mother and grandmother, she is survived by her four children: Robert Marshall Felder, Richard Emerson Felder, Allyn Felder Timberlake (Jim), and Mary Lane Felder. She also leaves behind four grandchildren: Louis Dillon Timberlake (Kate), Kathryn Neal Hopkins (Corey), Joanne Marshall Wade (Thomas), and Margaret Allyn Timberlake, along with four great-grandchildren: John Felder Timberlake, Emerson Ruth Timberlake, Charlie Jane Hopkins, and Nora Swan Wade.
Joann was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. Louis H. Felder, MD. In her journey, the family acknowledges the devoted care provided by caregiver Jennifer Wise of Watkinsville, GA, as well as the staff at St Mary’s Highland Hills Village Memory Care for their compassion and kindness.
In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to Highland Hills Village or the Saint Anne’s Episcopal Church Memorial Garden as a tribute to Joann’s enduring spirit. A memorial service is scheduled for Saturday, July 26, 2025, at 11:00 a.m., to be held at Saint Anne’s Episcopal Church, with interment in the church’s Memorial Garden to follow. Bernstein Funeral Home is managing the arrangements.
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Additional Resources
- Dignity Memorial: Joann Felder’s Obituary
- Wikipedia: Philanthropy
- Dignity Memorial: Joann’s Community Contributions
- Google Search: Memorial Service
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Gardening
