Joann Caraway

Never shy of her Sooner roots, JoAnn was born July 25, 1937 in Seminole, Oklahoma to Dan and Marie Farmer. As a child her mother passed away and JoAnn shouldered responsibilities that many grown adults would evade as she stepped in to help raise five siblings. It was in these formative years where she exemplified the values of hard work and serving others.

In her teens JoAnn met her husband of 59 years, J.W. “Dub” Caraway, where she may have elaborated her age a few years when they began dating. Her love for Jesus and living out the importance of being part of a local church were definitely kindling to Dub accepting Jesus into his own heart and the foreshadowing of them pouring into the youth across Cooke County.

In Gainesville and Woodbine, as a young married couple, they would raise their three children, J.W., Gail and Arlene. From bowling leagues to pot-luck picnics in Leonard Park, JoAnn was passionate in all she did. She rarely missed a prayer meeting and loved singing in church from the same pew year after year.

She earned one’s keep by the sweat of her brow. From elementary cook and bus driver to stocking shelves each night at the local Walmart, JoAnn was not too proud to jump on a mower in the hot Texas sun. And if ever matched up at a red light in town you were wise to keep your foot on the brake avoiding the urge to beat her off the line in a drag race.

When she became “Granny” her legacy was solidified. A freezer full of popsicles and Blue Bell were staples. Spooky stories never got old no matter how many times they were told.

In the end she remained passionate about writing letters to your local legislator, eating a good hamburger and definitely reading The Bible. Life was simple for JoAnn, but her faith never waned. Here word was her word and the Word is what she lived by.

JoAnn passed away at the age of 83 on January 5, 2021 after giving Covid a run for its money. She is survived by her daughter Gail Parkhill; daughter Arlene Prince; three grandchildren: Paige, Alan and Steven; eight great-grandchildren; and sister Wanda Tarrent.

JoAnn was preceded in death by her husband, John Wayne "Dub" Caraway; her parents; son J.W. Caraway, Jr.; grandson J.W. “Trey” Caraway; three sisters; and one brother. A quaint graveside service is set for 10:00am Thursday, January 7, 2021 at Nelson Grove Cemetery in Woodbine with longtime friend, Darlene Conner officiating. No funeral home visitation is planned.