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Jo Ann Walling Halbert received the ultimate prize when she passed from this life on December 29, 2003, following a valiant fight against cancer. It was while serving as a missionary in Sydney, Australia, that she first learned of her condition.
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The only child of Dean and Thelma Walling, Jo Ann was born in Bakersfield, California, and grew up in Texas. She attended Abilene Christian University. She and her husband, Dr. David Halbert, lived in Abilene and raised three children, Belinda (Harmon), David Dean, and Jon. Each married Christian mates who gave her ten wonderful grandchildren. Her family and friends affectionately knew her as “Momma Jo.”
She was a Christian mentor and friend to many, including dozens of teenage girls who sat at her feet for regular Bible studies in her home. She had a heart for world missions and, at age 65, Jo Ann followed her heart’s desire to do mission work. She became a fixture of strength and stability for the women of the NorthWest Church in Sydney, spending several months each year working among this body of believers. Today, her grandson, Jon Mark Harmon, is the youth minister for that congregation.
Jo Ann was a passionate member of the Board of Trustees for Missions Resource Network. She advocated the need for better care of missionaries and was an encourager in the development of mission teams around the globe. She retained a special place in her heart for Australia and was a key missions partner with Steve Smith, MRN’s Facilitator for South Pacific Church Planting, and Alan Phillips, Associate Director.
On her recent 70th birthday, with family members surrounding her, MRN’s Board Chairman, Dr. Barry Packer, and Executive Director, Dr. Bob Waldron, presented her with a plaque naming MRN’s permanent endowment fund the “Jo Ann Walling Halbert Missions Fund.” Untold numbers will be brought to Christ through her life and by what she has left behind. She was truly a Global Champion for Jesus Christ. To God be the glory!
The Halbert family has requested memorial gifts be made to Missions Resource Network.
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