Jo Ann Choate, age 91, died at Green Tree in Sand Springs, Oklahoma, on August 6, 2026. She left behind a loving family who will remember her fondly as "Meema" or "Meems". She was born into a modest family in Alma, Arkansas, the fourth of five children, to Arnold Francis and Alta Mae (Craft) Dunn, on July 21, 1935. She grew up on a farm and learned how to appreciate homemade food, especially beans and cornbread, which was still one of her favorite meals.

Jo Ann enjoyed playing girls basketball in high school. She graduated from the University of the Ozarks in Clarksville, Arkansas, with a bachelor's degree in education. Education was very important to Jo Ann, and she went many years to night school earning her master's degree and had also earned 60+ hours over her masters. She was an avid reader, especially of historical westerns, and had read all of William Johnstone's books. Jo Ann was a meticulous record keeper and organizer and had a steel trap memory. She always kept up with her grandchildren and then great-grandchildren, ready to celebrate the victories or help in the hard times.

After college, Jo Ann came to Tulsa to work and live near her sister, Avo. She was babysitting her nephew when she met her future husband, Doyle, while walking to the local movie theater. He was driving his yellow Plymouth and impressed Jo Ann. They dated off and on and Doyle finally asked Jo Ann to marry him. They married in Kellyville, Oklahoma with friends Steve and Reba Whitson as witnesses. Doyle's work in the airline industry was rather volatile, so they lived in Florida for part of their early years, so he could work. They traveled in a VW Bug without air conditioning. Jo Ann was a trooper. After an injury, Jo Ann and Doyle with firstborn son, Kent, returned to Tulsa. They got back on their feet, with Jo Ann managing their finances. She worked as a PE teacher in several elementary schools in the Tulsa Public School system. With her students, she participated in "Gymastrata" for many years. She was fondly remembered and valued by the schools who were fortunate to have her leadership. All along her teaching responsibilities, she attended Northeastern State University in Tahlequah, working on her master's degree and the additional 60+ hours.

Jo Ann and Doyle had their first son, Mitchell Kent, in March 1960. They were excited to welcome their second son, Kurt Thomas, in 1969. Jo Ann's love for education was so contagious that both her boys also attained higher education for themselves- She was very proud of her two PH.d's!

After retirement from Tulsa Public Schools, Jo Ann and Doyle traveled in Europe and around the world. They purchased a travel trailer and pickup and drove many miles across the United States, her favorite being Colorado.

Jo Ann was thrilled to become a grandmother and was called Meema, until Kendall (first grandson) shortened it to "Meems", which she loved.

She and Doyle moved to Sand Springs in 1972, after building a home in north Sand Springs, close to the golf course. It wasn't an easy relocation for Jo Ann or Kent. Jo Ann appreciated quality and over the years updated her home with additions such as her thoroughly enjoyed screened patio and Pella windows. She had beautiful flower beds around her backyard every year, and one of her favorite places was sitting on her patio, enjoying her lovely flowers. Jo Ann was able to stay in her home with the loving care of her children and caregivers, Olivia and Kera, until her last few days. The family is grateful for the loving support and kindness of Seasons Hospice and the kind staff at Green Tree for her last few days.

Jo Ann was preceded in death by her parents; siblings, Davis, Lorene and Leon; and husband, Doyle. She is survived by her sister, Avo; her sons, Kent (wife Carmen) and Kurt; grandchildren, Kendall (wife Kasey), Kyle (and Kera), and Kevin (wife Carley); great grandchildren, Kamsin, Cera, Kendi Mac, Norah, and another great arriving in October. Her loving and doting dachshund, Rosie, will also grieve her passing.

Jo Ann was a thoughtful, intentional, generous, and witty woman. She was very good at cracking a joke and her side-eye gesture was inherited by all three of her great granddaughters. She left a legacy of faith and commitment to family. She will be greatly missed and so fondly remembered.

Visitation will be Tuesday, August 11th, from 5:00 pm until 8:00 p.m., and her Funeral Service will be Wednesday, August 12th, 1:00 p.m, at Fitzgerald Ivy Chapel, 1402 S Boulder Ave, Tulsa. She will be interred at Floral Haven Cemetery, in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma.

Fitzgerald Ivy Chapel, 918-585-1151