Joan Carol Cameron's Obituary
Joan Carol Cameron, 78, of Tulsa, passed away peacefully on April 9, 2025, at Saint Francis Hospital surrounded by her loving family.
Born in Muskogee, Oklahoma to Robert and Virginia (Coppenger) Gunckel, Joan grew into a woman known for her gentle spirit, quick wit, and capacity for unconditional love. Those fortunate enough to call her a friend knew there could be no better one than Joan Cameron.
Born into a family with three brothers, Joan, being the only girl, learned early in life about resilience and compassion. Joan was shaped by two strong, independent women, her mother and grandmother, who taught her honesty, kindness, and compassion. She carried on those traits by caring for her oldest brother who was disabled from a motorcycle accident, demonstrating the selfless devotion that would characterize her entire life. Joan was an active member of First Presbyterian Church in Muskogee. During her youth, she was also a proud member of the International Order of the Rainbow Girls in Muskogee.
A natural leader with a zest for life, Joan was a cheerleader throughout junior high, high school, and college. As an excellent student and self-proclaimed "teacher's pet," she balanced her academic pursuits with her extracurricular activities. Joan graduated from Central High School in Muskogee in 1965, where she was crowned homecoming queen. She continued her education at Connors State College, earning an Associate's degree in Interior Design with a minor in Journalism, and once again received the honor of homecoming queen.
It was at Connors State where she met the love of her life, Gary Cameron. The couple famously skipped Psychology class to elope in Eufaula on February 15, 1967. The young couple began their life together in Muskogee, starting a beautiful partnership that would span decades.
After their children were born in Muskogee, Joan and Gary moved to Tulsa in the early 1970's where they embarked on several new business ventures. She was an integral part of all their business successes, utilizing her exceptional organizational skills and keen sense of business.
Joan's dedication to her family was unwavering, having served as her children's biggest supporter throughout their lives-coaching her daughter Kim's soccer team and cheering on her son as his number one fan during his sprint car racing days.
Joan's creativity knew no bounds. As an interior designer, she decorated not only her own home but those of friends as well, sharing a decorating style similar to her good friend Charles Faudree. Some friends even noted that she might "rearrange" a few things in their homes while dropping in for a visit. She loved sewing and crafting, and was especially passionate about school projects with her children. One of her favorites was a replica she and her life-time friend, Carol Hazel, made of her home being toilet-papered, which featured her beloved yellow Corvette-reportedly the only yellow Corvette in Tulsa in 1977.
A woman of many interests, Joan was an active bowler with her team "Afternoon Delight" at Sheridan Lanes. She was a terrific water skier and absolutely loved fishing. Weekends were often spent at the family's place on Grand Lake. Joan also loved all types of music and movies. Joan currently holds the record for watching "Titanic", having seen it over 40 times. Joan loved playing games and doing word searches.
In 1995, Joan earned her most cherished title: "Gram." Her grandchildren became her world. Gram and G-Pa's house was always a magical space where the grandchildren could create, imagine, and learn. When visiting Gram's house, she always had supplies on hand for them to create Spiderman webs throughout the house or explore Batman's Bat Cave. She never missed their sporting events and was undoubtedly their best friend. Joan always helped her kids and grandchildren with their school projects and loved teaching her grandchildren to read and type. She delighted in doing arts and crafts with them, including a special tradition of having them make and decorate their own Christmas packages.
Throughout their marriage, Joan and Gary cherished simple pleasures like eating at Chet's Hot Dog Stand in Muskogee and driving through Honor Heights Park. Their shared adventurous spirit always had them on the go, whether boating, riding motorcycles, or driving around, holding hands, reminiscing about Tulsa with their dog Sadie.
Joan is survived by her loving husband of 58 years, Gary A. Cameron of Tulsa; her son Gary Cameron II of Tulsa; her daughter, Kimberlea Jacobson and son-in-law Russ of Tulsa; and her grandchildren: Dakota Cameron of California; Colton Cameron of Tulsa, Jake Jeffries of Tulsa, Ryan Jeffries of Tulsa, Abigail Jeffries of Tulsa, and Katie Jacobson of Anna, Texas.
Joan was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Virginia Gunckel of Muskogee; her grandparents, Dr. and Mrs. Z.W. Gunckel of Monett, Missouri, and Ethel Coppinger of Muskogee; brothers Robert Gunckel Jr. of Muskogee and Hal Gunckel of Skiatook; mother-in-law Blanche Cameron of Tulsa; father-in-law Roy Cameron; and son-in-law Bryan Jeffries of Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Joan's legacy of love, creativity, and joy will continue through her family and the countless lives she touched.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, an organization Joan deeply cared about.
A Celebration of Life to honor Joan Carol Cameron will be held at 11 AM Monday, April 21st in the Rivercrest Chapel. Friends may join the family for a reception in the Great Room following the ceremony.
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