Joe Ben Mooberry
Obituary
Joe Ben Mooberry was born on November 5, 1941 in Bentonville, Arkansas. He was the second of two sons of Alexander Vantile Mooberry and Mildred May Stedman Mooberry. He departed this life on September 15, 2017 in Violet Hill, Arkansas at the age of 75 years, 10 months and 10 days.
Joe spent most of his childhood years on a farm in Pea Ridge, AR where he spent numerous hours alone entertaining himself while his brother was away fighting as a turret gunner in the Pacific Arena of World War II. Joe then moved to Tulsa, OK at the young age of 10. Several years later he met the love of his life, Judith Ann Mooberry, in the youth group at Darlington Avenue Church of God. After several years of acquaintance followed by a “stormy” courtship, Joe finally recognized the jewel before him and they were united in marriage on June 5, 1965 in Tulsa, OK. Together they raised three children, Jenifer, Philip and Micah. Joe earned a Master of Divinity from Asbury Theological Seminary in 1969 and served as Minister of Evangelism at First United Methodist Church in Tulsa, OK during the 1970’s. He later went into the private business sector for a short while as a partner in an insurance agency in the 1980s. Ultimately, he returned to the ministry, which was his true passion and calling in life. Joe served as the head of the Bible department at Metro Christian Academy for many years and found ways to not only make a bible class enjoyable, but to influence the lives of his students for Christ. Later, he partnered with Young life and created north Tulsa young life youth ministry. Joe pursued the hearts of kids through his outreach at Gilcrease Middle School where he built relationships and changed the lives of countless students
Joe is survived by his wife of 52 years, Judith Ann Mooberry and their three children, Jenifer Calhoon and husband Ed of Tulsa, Philip Mooberry and wife Molly of Tulsa and Micah Mooberry and wife Rebecca of Apex, North Carolina. They have ten grandchildren: Keats Calhoon, Caleb Calhoon, Gabriel Calhoon, Mackenzie Mooberry, Campbell Mooberry, Isaac Mooberry, Luke Mooberry, Eliana Mooberry, Adalee Mooberry and Vianne Mooberry; one sister-in-law: Debbie Yancey of Violet Hill, Arkansas and many good friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Jack Mooberry.
There will be a memorial service Thursday, September 21, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. at First United Methodist Church in Tulsa.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: North Tulsa Young Life, P.O. Box 33176, Tulsa, Ok 71453-1176.
Events
Tributes & Memories
Judy: Learned of Joe's homegoing too late to be at the memorial service yesterday! Your lives together bore much fruit for Christ in the lives of so many. I will try to order a copy of the service to share in the wonderful tributes as I remember again the wonderful gift God gave us in Joe. With love and blessings - Doug Burr
Rev Douglas Burr
I was sad to read the news today of Joe's passing. There are good memories of years past with ball games and Union events. You are a special family and Joe was a special friend to so many. His influence with young people was far-reaching and his legacy will live in those lives. Please accept my sympathy and know my prayers and thoughts are with you during this time. Betty Federline
Betty Federline
Joe was a classmate of mine at Tulsa Central High School and we played American Legion baseball together. He was always a gentle and easy going person and I was not surprised that he chose to go into the ministry. I send my condolences to his family and all who have benefited from his kind and caring ministry. Bob Wayland
Robert (Bob) F. Wayland
Mr. Mooberry was one of the most influential people in my life. 22 years ago Mr. Mooberry helped me to become a Christian. I remember that moment until this day he said can ask you a couple of questions. The first question was "Are you sure without of shadow of a doubt that if you were to die today they you would go to heaven?" The second question was "Suppose you were to die today and you are standing at the gates of heaven and God asks you why should I let you into my heaven, what would you say?" Those questions still have such an impact on me until this day. Mr. Mooberry was an incredible man of God and I am a better man today because of his impact in my life. I want to thank his family for sharing him with us at Metro Christian Academy. I'm sure he had the same impact on many other students like myself. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time.
Garry Bruch