Joan Qualls

Beverly Joan (Grafe) Qualls, 90, of Mesquite, Texas, passed away peacefully on November 22, 2021, with her three children by her bedside. Joan (Mom or Mimi, as more affectionately known) was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, to Bernard Augustus Grafe and Leah Mae (Beene) Grafe, on August 24, 1931. Joan spent most of her childhood growing up in Fort Worth, Texas with her family and numerous relatives nearby. A proud “Poly Parrot”, she graduated from Fort Worth Polytechnic High School in 1948. While attending Arlington State College in 1950, she met and eventually married the love of her life, Charlie Qualls, in 1952. Their love would last for 51 years until Charlie’s death in 2003.

A devoted coach’s wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, Joan was an elegant and graceful woman who loved hosting gatherings of family and friends at her home, and was always dressed to perfection. At most of those gatherings, a competitive game of rummy, scrabble, bridge or other board game would break out, and make no mistake, Joan played to win every time.

Joan was a wonderful Christian example and servant leader to her family and all of those she and Charlie encountered along their life journey. For several years, she and Charlie led a Sunday School class at Shiloh Terrace Baptist Church where many young married couples were positively influenced by their generous love and teachings. Joan will be missed by so many people, including her family, friends, her Mesquite Independent School District co-workers (where she retired in 1992), and everyone else who had the pleasure of meeting this beautiful lady; however, all of us rejoice in knowing that she is now residing in the glory of the Lord and is reunited with her beloved Charlie.

Joan is survived by her children: Laurie Kemerling and David, Scott Qualls and Mary Kay, Andrew Qualls and Liz,; grandchildren: Kara Alexander and Troy, Mary Catherine Connally and Luke, Leah Mullins and Wes, Clinton Qualls and Serah, Lindsey James and Justin, Katie Sauce and Aaron, and Travis Qualls; great-grandchildren: Reid, Julia, Charlie, Harry, Austin, Lincoln Mullins, Georgia, Weston, Finnley, Lincoln James, Mathias, Ezra, Eiley, and Alden; along with a host of cousins, nieces and nephews who will all miss her dearly. Joan was preceded in death by her loving husband of 51 years, Charlie Qualls; parents: Bud and Leah Grafe; and sister: Eleanor Kay Watkins.

The family will receive friends and loved ones on Friday, December 3, 2021, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM, at Rest Haven Funeral Home in Rockwall, Texas. A graveside service will begin at 11:00 AM on Saturday, December 4, 2021, at Tyler Memorial Park and Cemetery in Tyler, Texas. Burial will follow the graveside service under the direction of Tyler Memorial Funeral Home.

The family would also like to extend their sincere thanks to the entire staff at Christian Care Center and Hospice Services for their loving care of Joan these past few years. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in honor of Joan to the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.