Joan Fincher Redfearn

Mrs. Joan Fincher Redfearn was born to Robert and Clara Fincher on October 7th, 1946 in Charlotte, NC. She was the second youngest of eleven children and the last to receive her Heavenly rest. She was preceded in death by her parents, siblings, husband (Roosevelt Redfearn), ex-husband (Sylvester Allison Sr.) and a daughter (Tabitha Cassell), and a host of nieces and nephews. She leaves to cherish her memories: three sons, Sylvester Allison Jr. (Candace), Alex Allison, and Jack Parks (Camille); four daughters, Windy Allison, Tracey Spates (Abraham), Rose Riley (Roger), and Tammy Redfearn. She also leaves to cherish fond memories a host of grand-children, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, adopted children and a very special friend Roger Seegars. Joan was educated in the Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools. She furthered her education by attending, Shaw University’s Seminary’s extended study through the Mecklenburg Baptist Association and Lee University’s Charlotte Center where she studied Pastoral Studies. Joan served in various capacities and roles throughout her life. She was a domestic worker, a care provider for Mecklenburg County and Hospice of Charlotte. Near the end of her career she began work as a private duty caregiver until her health began to fail. Even though, her health would not permit her to work full-time she continued to serve others. Her passion was serving people, whether cleaning their homes or teaching them how to love the life God had given them. Though she faced many battles in life; she was a fighter and overcame all things including addictions. These battles and addictions became her testimony. God took her struggles and birthed a ministry of love and redemption. She received training through Ministry of Recovery that helped prepare her for the rough days ahead. In June of 2002, God called Joan into full-time ministry. She and her husband (Roosevelt) opened their refrigerator, prepared meals and began to feed those in need. These meals were prepared from the heart and supplied by God’s Grace. The next few years would bring new relationships and greater challenges. Even when economics seem to threaten their ability to continue answering the call of God they pressed forward. They knew that by doing God’s work for God’s people He would continue to supply their needs, open doors and bring blessings their way. She was truly committed to her calling; even when, Roosevelt was hospitalized she continued to feed and minister to God’s people. Her love for God’s people took priority over the challenges of life. She had more faith in God than she did in the reality of what was standing in front of her. She fervently believed that God was stronger than anything that could come against her. Clara House of Love (CHL) served more than 20,000 meals per year. Under the direction and leadership of Joan, CHL helped many formally addicted adults change their lives to become healthy viable members of the community again. Joan was a mother to the community; everyone knew that she walked tall and carried a big stick—a stick she did not mind using. Joan lived her life as a servant of the Lord. She was always willing to go wherever God sent. The Word says, “For I was hungry and you fed me, thirsty and you gave me something to drink, a stranger and you welcomed me”. For Joan, this was her banner—the question is will you take hold of the baton and continue to run the race?

Joan Fincher Redfearn

October 7, 1946 - February 25, 2015