Joanne Newman
Obituary
Joanne Cooper Newman was born September 4, 1922 in Geuda Springs, KS to Grover Cleveland and Era Lee (Beckett) Cooper. She passed from this life April 11, 2011 in Broken Arrow, OK at the age of 88.
Joanne was a deeply loved wife, mother, grandmother, and sister. The love she received was in direct response to the love she so freely gave. She always put her family first, supporting them and sacrificing for them as necessary. Joanne had a genuine interest in her fellow human beings: her friends at TU where she worked as a secretary for many years; her treasured friends at First Christian Church; the caring, patient employees of the 41st and Yale branch of Bank of Oklahoma; the ladies at the corner filling station who helped her pump gas after her husband Jack died because she didn't know how; the employees at Braums who fixed her favorite "sinless" yogurt; the staff at Taco Bueno who lovingly fixed her daily "soft taco with a side of queso" for lunch. They, along with many of the customers, became a second family to her. Her ready smile for anyone she met and vivacious personality made her a light in this world. Joanne modeled through her actions her belief that these three things abide: faith, hope, love. But the greatest of these is love.
She was preceded in death by her parents, and her husband, Jack Evans Newman. Joanne is survived by her daughters, Susan McKelvey (John) and Kathy Schweer (Windler); and her grandchildren, Brody McKelvey, Tyler McKelvey (Rylee), Zane Schweer and Parker Schweer.
Joanne will lie in state from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Tuesday, April 19, at the Ninde Brookside Funeral Home Chapel. Her funeral service will be held Wednesday, April 20 at 10:00 a.m., at First Christian Church, 913 S. Boulder, Tulsa. She will be laid to rest at Memorial Park Cemetery in Edmond, OK.
Joanne was a lover of flowers and preached to everyone about the beauty of creation. They would be a lovely tribute to her. In lieu of that, the family suggests a donation either to hospice, or to any group involved with support or research for Alzheimers/Dementia. Susan and Kathy want to extend their heartfelt thanks to the staff at Forest Hills Care Center and to Solamore Hospice. Their gentleness and compassion helped our mom transition from her earthly life with dignity to find her peace with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Events
Tributes & Memories
Funeral Home Owner
In deep sorrow I say good-bye to a wonderful Aunt. My Thoughts and Prayers are with all of you
Bill Newman
It was an honor to be a part of the team caring for Ms. Newman here at Forest Hills. She will be loving remembered by our staff and is forever embedded in our hearts. The Solana Memory Care Staff at Forest Hills
Debra Parkhurst, Solana Program Director
We will miss our dear friend and neighbor, Joanne, so very much. Hearing her, "Hello, Neighbor!" when we all happened to be outside at the same time was always a joy. During OU football games we would often receive a call from her saying, "Go Sooners!" I cannot imagine anyone else living in that house. Our condolences to you. We loved your mom and dad.
Sherry & Allen Tyler
Joanne was such a joy to be near and spend time with. I remember her love of life and infectious laugh well. When my family moved from Tulsa to San Diego, we grieved the loss of such wonderful next door neighbors. There is little comfort than can be offered to you when you lose someone you love so much. But know that she was loved by many who were privileged to know her, even a little bit.
Mark Lawrence (Houston, TX/Bengaluru, Karnataka, India)
It was with sadness that I read of Joanne's passing. But then I smiled, as I remembered what good friend Jack and Joanne were to my parents, Pat and Ruth Murphy, across-the-street neighbors on S. Sandusky for many years. I know that my mother especially enjoyed their friendship and was appreciative of Jack's "crazy" sense of humor...including the one Christmas he came over dressed as Santa and insisted that Mother sit on his lap!
The Newmans were the best kind of neighbors; looking out for you and your house (especially if on vacation or out of town) and Mother and Joanne especially enjoyed and shared their respective love of flowers.
I and my sisters Marianna and Marsha extend our deepest sympathies to the family. We share your loss but celebrate the love your parents both gave you.
Marilyn
Marilyn (Murphy) Schooling
Joanne was a dear friend. Her obituary notice tells of her life just exactly how she lived. She loved nature and others. Her first words when she saw me was "How are you doing?" She put others first and was friendly to all! She missed Jack and talked about him every time we met. Now I will miss her and Jack. They were neighbors who became very special to me over the years. They were a beautiful couple. I bet they are holding hands right now!
Debbie Lawrence-McDaniel
Kathy & Susan, your mom was a very special lady. She had a smile and hug for everyone she came in contact with in her life. Love to both of you and know that our hearts are breaking for you. MaryBeth & Bill
MaryBeth Smith
Kathy, Janie, Elise and I were such great friends growing up and remain so today! I have very fond memories of going to the Newmans' home. Joanne and Jack were so loving and welcoming of all of us. I will always remember Joanne's smile. Deepest sympathies to Kathy, Susan and their families. Love, Hannah
Hannah Robson
Mrs. Newman ALWAYS brightened my day when she would come visit us at Bank of Oklahoma. It touched my heart how she would let everyone passing by know how we were her dear friends and family at the bank. I will truly miss Mrs. Newman and the joy that she brought me. She had quickly become my favorite face to see each day. -Lauren Clutter
Lauren Clutter
Mrs. Newman was a "dear friend" (as she always put it) to me and my staff at Bank of Oklahoma. She came to visit us almost every day after she stopped by Taco Bueno to get her taco. I've missed her visits over the past few months, as I had grown to know and love her as my own grandmother. She will be greatly missed, but I know she is more than happy to be with Jack again! My condolences to the family. -With love, Susan Human Bank of Oklahoma
Susan Human
I am so sorry to hear about the death of Joanne. I knew her briefly while attending First Christian Church and every Sunday morning when I came into the church, she had a smile on her face and would always says 'Good Morning' and would talk a few minutes even though I was new to the church and didn't know very many people. I loved seeing her; she will be sorely missed. My deepest sympathy to her family.
Karen Williamson