Elissa Joyce Hale, beloved daughter, sister, aunt, and friend, passed away from natural causes on Wednesday, Nov. 2, at her residence in Fort Collins. Elissa was born March 11, 1983, in Webster, Texas, to Norman Wayne Hale, Jr., and Belinda Joyce Hale.
Elissa was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents Eldred and Joyce Doty, and paternal grandmother Dorothea Cates Hale.
She is survived by her parents; brother Rev. Joshua Hale and wife Rev. Christina Hale of Houston, Texas; her beloved nephews and niece Ben, Ellie, Sam, and Tim Hale; grandfather Norman Wayne Hale, Sr., of Pearland, Texas; uncle Brent Lee Doty and wife Wendy of Robinson, Texas; cousins Danielle Kupresanin and husband Kruno of Amarillo, Texas, and Zachary Lee Doty and wife Hannah of Fort Worth, Texas.
At the time of her death, Elissa was pursuing a Master’s degree in English education from Colorado State University. It was her fervent desire to become a high school English teacher to pass along her love of literature to young people, taking her inspiration from her high school English teachers she admired so much. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in English from Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas, in 2005, and had spent several years working as an editor for a major publishing firm before deciding to change careers to become a teacher. A highlight of her undergraduate education was a year spent studying abroad at the University of Aberdeen in Scotland.
An accomplished musician, Elissa played piano, was active for many years in handbell choirs, and completed all thirteen years of the graded choir program at her home church in Friendswood. Always active in her church wherever she lived, she enjoyed swing dancing and participated in groups in Texas and Colorado.
Visitation will be held from 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 10, at Jeter Funeral Home, 311 N. Friendswood Dr., Friendswood, Texas. An interment service will be held at 9 a.m. Friday, Nov. 11, at South Park Cemetery, 1310 N. Main Street, Pearland, Texas, where she will be laid to rest alongside her beloved grandparents. A memorial service will follow at 10:30 a.m. at Friendswood United Methodist Church, 110 N. Friendswood Dr., Friendswood, Texas.
In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to U.M. ARMY or the Music Ministry Memorial Fund of Friendswood United Methodist Church.
Condolences may be sent to the Hale family in care of Jeter Memorial Funeral Home.
