JoAnne Letney's Obituary
JoAnne Brammer Letney, beloved wife, mother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on September 5, 2024 at the age of 87. Born on March 15, 1937, in Port Arthur, Texas, to parents Dora and Albert Brammer, JoAnne spent her early years in Port Arthur, growing up alongside her siblings, Buddy, Bobby, Peggy, and Lisa. She attended St. James Catholic grammar school and graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School in 1956. Throughout her life her unwavering faith in God sustained her through all of life's trials and triumphs.
It was in Port Arthur where JoAnne met the love of her life, Carroll Letney, on a blind date to his prom. Their connection was love at first sight, and they were married on July 15, 1957. They were married for 62 years. JoAnne began her career working in the jewelry department at J.C. Penney, before graduating from Port Arthur Business College. She then worked for several years with Dr. Luis Marroquin, OB/GYN.
As Carroll advanced in his career with J.C. Penney, the couple lived in various cities across Texas and New Jersey, including Beaumont, Lufkin, San Antonio, Corpus Christi, and Jersey City, before finally settling in Tulsa, Oklahoma. It was in Tulsa where JoAnne and Carroll embarked on their own entrepreneurial journey, successfully owning and managing Poise N Ivy, JoCarroll's, and Hickory Farms. Their businesses became staples in the Tulsa community, thriving due to their knowledge, dedication and hard work.
Outside of work, JoAnne was deeply involved in the lives of her two sons, Chris and Mike, supporting them in their school endeavors and actively participating in their Boy Scout activities. She personally supported them both to achieve the rank of Eagle Scout. She was their greatest advocate and biggest fan in all of their extracurricular activities. Though she didn't have daughters of her own, JoAnne formed close bonds with the young women who worked in their businesses, becoming a mentor and a second mother to many.
JoAnne and Carroll had a passion for travel, visiting many exciting destinations such as Holland, Belgium, Germany, Austria, Italy, Australia, Hawaii, and even cruising through the Panama Canal. JoAnne had a flair for fashion, always dressing in the finest clothes and jewelry, with impeccable hair, nails and make-up. She was truly an artist at heart. She loved to garden, crochet, paint, and do ceramics, and she maintained her musical talents learned in her childhood on her baby grand piano. JoAnne was an avid storyteller and shared stories of her younger years with an enthusiastic sense of humor and adventure. She was proud of her Dutch heritage and had a fascination for objects from the Dutch culture, many of which she kept prominently displayed in her home.
As their sons, Chris and Mike, grew up, they followed in their parents' entrepreneurial footsteps. Chris joined his father in the clothing business, while Mike opened his own jewelry store, where JoAnne worked alongside him for many years. In their senior years, JoAnne and Carroll found joy in spending time with their growing family, which had expanded to six grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. They took immense pride in the accomplishments of their children and grandchildren.
After Carroll's passing in 2020, JoAnne continued to nurture her collection of African violets and orchids, a passion she inherited from her mother. She also continued crocheting and even took up diamond painting. As her health declined, JoAnne moved to a senior living facility, where she lived until her passing.
JoAnne was preceded in death by her husband, Carroll; parents, Dora and Albert Brammer; her sister, Peggy Moody; her brother, James David Brammer; her sister-in-law, Eldora Brammer; and her parents-in-law, Prentice and Olene Letney. She is survived by her sons, Chris Letney and his wife, Suzanne, and Mike Letney and his wife, Barbie; her brothers, Albert (Buddy) Brammer and Robert (Bob) Brammer and his wife Suzanne; her sister, Lisa Drago and her husband, Jon; her grandchildren, Jessica Afeld and her husband, Jeffrey; Alicia Letney, Matthew Letney, Victoria Letney, Michael Letney and his wife, Stephanie; and Melissa Woodward and her husband, Joshua; and her nine great-grandchildren; Reese, Suri, and Quincy Afeld; Abigail, Ruth, Asher, and Samuel Letney; Caleb and Luke Woodward.
JoAnne was a devout Christian, and her faith was a guiding light throughout her life. She was an active member of First Methodist Church Tulsa, participating in Bible studies and the "Knit One -Pray One" knitting group donating countless handmade baby blankets to local hospitals. JoAnne leaves behind a legacy of love and pride, having passed down many of her artistic and musical talents to her family. She touched countless lives with her loving and compassionate spirit and will be greatly missed by all who knew her.
Please make any memorial contributions to Catholic Charities of your choice.
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