Edith “JoAnn” Wackerly

Edith “JoAnn” Wackerly

1928 – 2024

JoAnn Wackerly, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and woman of strong faith, passed away peacefully on July 2, 2024. Born in Fort Smith, Arkansas, to Joe and Edith Slack, JoAnn spent her early years in McAlester, Oklahoma, before graduating from Fort Smith High School in 1946. 

On November 2, 1948, JoAnn married the love of her life, Bill Wackerly. Their union was blessed with four sons: Joe, born in July 1949; Jim, born in July 1950; Steve, born in February 1954; and Dave, born in August 1956. In 1957, the family moved to Shreveport, Louisiana, where Bill worked in the oil and gas industry. They returned to Fort Smith in 1962 and moved to Oklahoma City in the spring of 1970. From there, they moved to Edmond, which remained their permanent home. 

JoAnn and Bill were active members of their community, participating in the PTA and Band Boosters. She was an incredible mother, often managing the schedules of four boys on different baseball teams simultaneously. 

JoAnn had a passion for cooking, crafting, and playing cards. She was also a very dedicated member of Beta Sigma Phi for 52 years and spent much of her professional career at Thompson’s Book & Supply in Edmond, OK. 

Her faith was the cornerstone of her life. JoAnn and Bill were long-time members of Edmond First Church of the Nazarene, where their spiritual community became a vital part of their lives. JoAnn’s personal relationship with her Lord Jesus Christ was evident in every aspect of her life. 

JoAnn’s commitment to her family was unwavering. She cherished every moment spent with her loved ones and had a deep love for her Arkansas Razorbacks, a passion shared with her entire family. 

JoAnn was preceded in death by her husband, Bill Wackerly; her son, Joe Wackerly; her grandson, Kyle Wackerly; her sister, Sally Oxford; her daughter-in-law, Johnna Wackerly; and her nephew, Jimbo Bexley. 

She is survived by her sons: Jim Wackerly and wife, Sue; Steve Wackerly and wife, Gabrielle; and Dave Wackerly and wife, Jo. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Allyson Lane and husband, Travis; Brian Wackerly and wife, Kiley; Brandon Wackerly and wife, Cindy, Melissa Kingry, Jimmy Carter and wife Kris, and Sherry Schull and husband Chris. Her great-grandchildren include Connor Lane, Tristan Lane, Kendall Kingry, Madden Kingry, Kassidy Richardson, Molly Wackerly, Donovan Keehner, Brandon Wackerly, Beth Wackerly, Hannah Price, Sierra Milkovits, Cheyenne Schull, and Sage Daniels. JoAnn is also survived by her niece, Becky Bexley; great-niece, Sarah Salsbury and husband, Ryan; and great-nephew, Hunter Osburn, along with numerous great-great-grandchildren.

Special thanks to Town Village, caregivers Mercy, Stella, and Phoebe, and Russell-Murray Hospice.

“Well done, good and faithful servant.” Matthew 25:21 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to any Hospice of your choice in JoAnn’s honor. 

A memorial service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Monday, July 15, 2024 at First Church of the Nazarene Edmond, OK.