Jo Ann Walker, 91, died peacefully on December 30, 2024 in Charlotte, North Carolina after an extended illness.
Jo Ann was born in Wolco, a small oil camp located in Osage County, Oklahoma. She described her parents, Doyal and Josie (Kemerling) Walker as kind and hard working. She attended a one room school where the older students would assist with the younger ones. There were hard times during World War II especially when her father was drafted but she had fond
memories of playing with neighbors and learning to swim in Candy Creek. She attended high school in Barnsdall and graduated in 1951.
Jo Ann married the love her life, Wayne Walker, and did not even have to change her last name. Wayne was a high school friend of
her brother and once they started dating, she knew he was the one. They lived in Tulsa while Wayne worked for Phillips Petroleum, and he attended college at night. Their son, Terry was born in Tulsa.
Jo Ann had been raised in a small community, but she lived in many cities as Wayne was transferred every few years. Their daughter Cathy was born in Atlanta, GA. The family lived in Raleigh, NC and Baltimore, MD before moving back to Tulsa where daughter Lori was born. Wayne transferred then to Kansas City and Minneapolis but in 1970 the family settled in Bartlesville, OK.
Jo Ann learned to play golf in Bartlesville. She was a great golfer and even had two hole-in-ones. She and Wayne spent many years traveling and golfing. She most loved the times in Hawaii they spent golfing and vacationing.

Jo Ann and Wayne moved to the community of Bent Tree in Jasper, GA after he retired. They lived and played in the golfing community there until shortly before Wayne’s death in 2010 when they moved to Johns Creek, GA. They had enjoyed 59 years of marriage.
Jo Ann was baptized and joined the Baptist church in Barnsdall when she was 15. Her faith gave her strength and guidance throughout her life and provided a community each time the family was transferred. Most recently she enjoyed being part of the Widows Stuffing Group at Perimeter Church in Johns Creek where she and her friends would gather weekly to “stuff” the
church’s bulletins.
Jo Ann lived close to her daughter Lori in Johns Creek until her health started failing. She moved in with Lori and her husband Andy when they moved to the Charlotte area. Jo Ann was a warm and caring person who loved getting her family together. She was a great mom and role model. She was proud of her 8 grandchildren and their accomplishments. She has 14 great grandchildren who have brought her joy. She always loved seeing the “little ones.” While she will be missed, we know she is happy to be reunited with Wayne after so many years apart.
In addition to her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, Jo Ann is survived by her brother, Bob Walker of Tulsa, OK and her sister, Betty Stoabs of Pawhuska, OK.
A special thanks for those who have provided loving support and care at The Ivey Respite Club in Charlotte as well as the The Sanctuary at Stonehaven Assisted Living. Their dignity-giving care will always be remembered with gratefulness.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to be made to The Ivey at https://theivey.com/donate.html.

A future family gathering in Jasper, GA is being planned as a celebration of life.