Wanda Jo Wade

Memorial services for Wanda Jo (JoJo) Wade will be held Saturday, March 19, 2022 at 2:00 PM at Parks Brothers Funeral Home Chapel in Okemah, Oklahoma with Bro. Tim Emmons officiating.

Wanda Jo was born July 15, 1938 in Shawnee, Oklahoma. She passed away Tuesday, March 15, 2022 in Tyler, Texas, at the age of 83.

JoJo attended Weleetka Public Schools and graduated in 1956. She enjoyed playing in the band and served as drum major. She also attended Oklahoma State University where she was a twirler and graduated with an education degree. She also attended East Central University and received her master’s degree in education. She began her teaching career in a one room classroom at Okfuskee School. She later taught elementary for the Seminole Schools. She married Benny Benson on February 13, 1960 and were blessed with three children. On March 10, 1984 she married her old high school sweetheart, Gerald Wade. They were happily married for 38 years.

JoJo had many friends with whom she enjoyed playing bridge. She was very active faithfully walking every morning. JoJo and Gerald enjoyed traveling, gardening beautiful flowers, vegetables, and delicious berries. She was a loyal Dallas Cowboy and OSU football fan and enjoyed discussing the games of her favorite teams. She had a strong Christian faith and was always concerned that her children and grandchildren attend church so that they would know Jesus. She had an undefeatable zest for life showing joy and strength no matter the circumstances. Her life was a wonderful example to her family and friends.

She is preceded in death by her parents, her first husband, Benny Benson; two sisters, Doris Sue McKenzie and Sandra June Ripptoe; Her daughter, Jo Lynne Higganbotham.

Survivors include her husband, Gerald Wade of the home in Tyler, Texas; one son, Bryan Benson and wife Ann of Prague, OK; one step-son Jay Wade and wife Tracy and son-in-law, Chris Higganbotham; one daughter, Laura Haddox and husband Michael of Okemah Ok and one step-daughter, Kelly King and husband William. One brother, Charles Glenn Stankewitz and wife Ruth of Tyler Texas; six grand-children, Andrew Benson, Emily Walsh and husband Tryston, Sarah Higganbotham, Haley Higganbotham, Molly Haddox and Abby Haddox; four step-grandchildren, Lindsay Horn and husband Aaron, Nicholas King and wife Jenn, Teddie White and husband Russell and Marshall Wade; seven great-grandchildren, Grayson Benson, Benson Walsh, Liam Hood, Aaron Hood, Maggie Benson, Baker Walsh and Bryton Walsh; seven step great-grandchildren, Wade Boehm, Shelby Horn, Brett Horn, Emory Horn, Landon King, Tyler King, and Colby King.

Family request donations be made to American Cancer Society.

Services will be under the direction of Parks Brothers Funeral Home.