Beverly Joanne Wilmoth

Beverly Joanne Wilmoth was born in Onalaska, Washington, on June 24, 1938, to Olga and Henry Chappell. She grew up on an apple orchard with her sister and ten brothers. She graduated from Chehalis High School then met and married Marvin Earl Wilmoth, also known as Sparky, in 1956. Sparky and Joanne raised their three children as they were stationed around the United States, while Sparky served in the United States Coast Guard. Joanne was a proud stay at home mother who took care of the house and children by herself while Sparky was on sea duty. The couple left Washington and they were transferred to Oregon, Florida, Ohio, New Hampshire, Louisiana, Missouri, Maryland, and eventually Oklahoma where they chose to stay and make a permanent home. Joanne always showed great resilience when caring for her family. When Sparky was transferred to Key West, Florida, Joanne was to drive herself and the three children across the country alone. First, she had to learn to drive. Then, she traveled the journey to Florida and faced her fear of traveling the Overseas Highway and crossing the old Seven-mile bridge over the 18 to 22 feet deep ocean to get on the island. When Hurricane Betsy occurred in the fall of 1965, Sparky went out to sea and Joanne took the children and went to the shelter to ride out the storm. She stacked the furniture high and left the family dog on top of it with a bed and food. After the storm, she cleaned up the debris and put the house back in order. Candy, the family dog made it through just fine, if you do not consider her fear of thunder and rain. In Ohio, Joanne took care of the family during winter storms where snow drifts went to the top of the house. She even took in other military wives and their children when they needed assistance due to power outages and black out conditions. She was stoic and always did what needed to be done. She was always ready for Sparky to return from sea duty and met the ship every time it came in or left port. Joanne always stayed close to her family back home. She visited her brothers often and always enjoyed visiting with them on the phone. In her later years, Joanne and Sparky spent time in Corpus Christi each winter. There she met her best friend, Wilma Jackson from Canada. Wilma and Joanne formed a strong bond and appreciated spending time swimming at the Y and shopping. Joanne especially liked shopping at Dillard’s, in any state she was in. The family would like to thank the nurses and staff at Go Ye Village in Tahlequah for caring for Joanne in the last few months. She had wonderful Hospice care, and she appreciated all everyone did to make her and Sparky comfortable. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation at oklahomapa.org/donate/ Joanne will be missed greatly by Sparky, whom she adored and loved! She will also be missed by her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. As Joanne walks with our Heavenly Father, we will always hold a piece of her in our hearts. We thank you Joanne for being such an incredible role model and for loving her family and friends unconditionally. Viewing for Joanne will be 12PM-5PM Wednesday, December 7, 2022 at Clifford D Garrett Family Funeral Home in Fort Gibson. Joanne’s celebration of life will be 11:30 Thursday, December 8, 2022 at Clifford D Garrett Family Funeral Home Chapel with Brother Justin Kinman officiating. Committal prayers and interment will follow in the Fort Gibson National Cemetery at 12:30. The family of Beverly Joanne Wilmoth has entrusted her care, service and burial to Clifford D Garrett Family Funeral Home, Fort Gibson. 918-478-2555. Online condolences may be left at clifforddgarrettfamilyfh.com

Beverly Joanne Wilmoth

June 24, 1938 - December 1, 2022