Jo Ann Wilson

Jo Ann Jones Wilson was born to Ada Cunningham Jones and Archie Jones on February 24, 1935.

She was the youngest child of 3. Jo Ann loved her two brothers, Archie Dee Jones and Cecil Earl Jones

They lived together on the family farm at the West end of the 2 mile stretch in Lindsay where she learned the importance of having a strong work ethic and being part of the community. Jo Ann from a very early age, milked cows, helped with the processing of the milk and delivered it to the community.

When Jo Ann was young, one of her favorite memories was riding Flapper, her horse. 

As Jo Ann began her education, she could see the family farm from the playground in first grade. On a regular basis, she would miss her mom and wander back to the farm only to be coaxed with a switch back to school. She did not give up this practice easily nor did Ada. 

Jo Ann was conscientious about a good education and being a well rounded individual. She was an avid reader, played the saxophone in high school band and was the FFA Queen. Her love of playing the piano followed her throughout her life. She “tried” to pass that love on to her kids and grandchildren. She put her money where her heart was. She paid for Piano lessons for them all. Jo Ann accumulated life long friendships, and always looked forward to her high school reunions. 

Upon Graduation she became a June bride on June 4,1953 to the love of her life Earl Nicholas Wilson. It was not long before the family increased to a family of 4. Tony Dwain was born on September 4, 1955 and Wesley Kim on February 11, 1958.

Jo Ann and Earl made their home in Lindsay in the “Old Dairy Building” on South Main. Jo Ann was a renaissance woman, she knew how to work. While she raised her family she supported Earl in building up the Wilson’s Refrigeration Business to later become Wilson’s Heat and Air. She simultaneously went to school and became a beautician while remaining the bookkeeper for the family businesses. 

 Her love of learning, children and desire to help others led her to a career in Education. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Education with a concentration in the area of Learning Disabilities. She began her Teaching career in Bradley in 1969 only to return to Lindsay in 1974. As Jo Ann continued to teach in Lindsay she went back to the University of Oklahoma to receive her Masters in Psychometry. In 1981, Jo Ann began using her Master’s degree for the State of Oklahoma, helping students find their way through difficulties in the educational system. Jo Ann returned to Lindsay School System impacting many students throughout her career. She always went the extra mile in helping students achieve and surpass their own expectations. She took students on unusual educational journeys such as rock climbing, hiking in the Wichita Mountains and other creative experiences.

Jo Ann was always ready for an adventure if she could spend time with the family and friends that she loved dearly. She tried her hand at biking around town, camping took her from Renaissance Festivals in Texas to the Rocky Mountains in Colorado to YellowStone National Park in Wyoming. Jo Ann and Earl dabbled with bouldering and rock climbing as long as it was with family and friends. She was determined to help the family build a cabin in Colorado. This may or may not have been a successful adventure. 

One fateful trip to the cabin Earl had a devastating stroke. But as always, Jo Ann met this challenge with a determination and resoluteness that would result in Earl being able to return to work, surpassing all expectations for recovery and living a healthier lifestyle. Jo Ann never gave up on family, always giving of herself to help others. She was willing to change directions if that is what the family needed. 

As life happens and time passes, Jo Ann met the challenges with grace and strength. She lost the love of her life, Earl in January 2014. No matter the disappointments that life handed her, she remained in contact and involved with her nieces, nephews and cousins. 

Jo Ann impacted many lives. She didn't just passively listen, she paid attention. She was able to meaningfully impact the life of the Director of Legends of Rivendell, where she lived her last years. Jo Ann’s impeccable memory and proof of her true involvement in people's lives was exemplified. She provided information of how her parents, Ada and Archie picked up an orphaned child from the train station in a horse and buggy and took her to her new home. The child was the Great Grandmother of the Director, who was overwhelmed with joy about this new unknown family information. Jo Ann did not just listen, but paid attention to the lives of people around her.

She was loved and lived her life well. 

Survived by: sons, Wesley Wilson and Tammy of Maysville, Oklahoma and Tony Wilson and Pam of Lindsay, Oklahoma; brother, Archie D. Jones of Pleasonton, Texas; grandchildren: Adalia Wilson, Ian Wilson, Anderson Wilson, and Nicholas Wilson; and great-granddaughter, Adalynn Wilson.

Preceded by: parents, Archie A. Jones and Ada Jones; husband, Earl Wilson; and brother, Cecil Jones.

Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 am, Tuesday, July 2, 2024, at First United Methodist Church in Lindsay, Oklahoma with Rev. Nagel officiating. Burial at Green Hill Cemetery in Lindsay, Oklahoma under the direction of John W. Williams of Winans Funeral Home in Maysville, Oklahoma. Words of comfort may be sent to the family on this website.