JoAnn Bradley

(From Ulmer Funeral Home)

JoAnn Bradley, 75 years old, passed away at Mercy Hospital, Ardmore Ok on Wednesday December 16, 2015.

JoAnn was born at home on June 24, 1940 to Luther Jeans and Minnie Souders and was the third of five siblings, growing up on the family farm, north of Diamond, Mo. JoAnn married Donald Bradley in 1958. Her first son, Robert was born in 1960, followed by Bill in 1965. JoAnn balanced the responsibilities of motherhood, farming and several “paying jobs” in various business-related positions. In 1979, JoAnn and Don sold the family farm and moved to Bay City, Texas where they worked in construction. 

In 1986, JoAnn married Calvin Downes, and the two lived in several states including Texas and Colorado. Following Calvin’s death in 1995, JoAnn moved to Ardmore, Oklahoma, to be close to her brother, John Jeans. She lived in Ardmore until her death. JoAnn loved to travel, from family vacations, to visiting John and Sue in California and her brother, John in Wyoming, to many work-related locations across the country. Poor health in recent years prevented her from traveling, but she loved to talk of the places she visited. It is worth noting that despite her yearning for new places, she insisted on returning to her roots here in Diamond, Mo, so that her final resting place was next to her mom and dad. 

JoAnn is survived by her sons Bill Bradley and Robert Bradley, her two sisters Francis Finley of Carthage, Mo. and Helen Rupp of Purdy, Mo. JoAnn is also survived by five grandchildren Bryan, Mike, Ethan, Brooke, and Logan, and one great grandson Levi. JoAnn’s faith was always strong, and she looked forward to joining her Savior. 

Services will be held at Diamond Grove Christian Church, Saturday, December 19, 2015 at 10:00 A.M. With final interment at Fidelity Cemetery.