Joan Malone Obituary

The incomparable and effervescent Joan Louise "Jodi" Malone, a national advocate for children's mental health services, passed away Feb. 26, 2026, after a valiant struggle with ALS, the incurable neurological disorder also known as Lou Gehrig's disease. She was 73.

A celebration of Jodi's life will be held at 11 a.m. March 21, 2026, at Covenant Presbyterian Church, with a reception following.

Born May 29, 1952, in Canton, Ohio, to Clayton and Margaret Malone, Joan was the middle of three children and the only girl. She graduated from Canton Central Catholic High School in 1970, and earned a bachelor's degree in sociology from Edgecliff College in 1974, and a master's degree in criminal justice from Xavier University in 1976.

In the 1980s and 90s, Jodi led Mecklenburg County's landmark "Willie M" program and its Child and Adolescent Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services. She served as an expert witness and consultant in lawsuits in at least 10 states. She went on to run New Hope Carolinas, a psychiatric hospital for 150 youth in Rock Hill, South Carolina, from 1998 to 2006. She then joined the leadership of Sylvan Learning Centers, always maneuvering to give scholarships to those in need.

Jodi was preceded in death by her parents and is survived by her son Christopher Wetmore, daughter Betsy Cardone (Justin), grandsons Clayton and Cooper Wetmore, brothers Breen Malone (Sheri Meyer) and Mark Malone (Robert Blackman), and extended family of choice Liz Chandler, Sally Malone, Jim and Ann Wetmore, Laurie Cunningham, Laurie Beddinghaus, and the Presleys.

Please see full obituary at www.legacy.com/legacy/joan-malone or in the Observer's March 16, 2026, e-edition.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Joe Martin ALS Foundation at https://joemartinalsfoundation.org or Via Health Partners at https://www.viahp.org.