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Jo Ann “Jody” Roberts, 87, of Tecumseh, Oklahoma, died surrounded by family on May 8, 2020.

She was born in Hickory, OK, on Feb. 27, 1933, to Thomas and Pauline (Sloan) Whitsett. Jody was raised in Ada, OK, and graduated from Ada High School in 1951.

She met the love of her life, Bill Roberts, while attending East Central State College and they were married on Oct. 28, 1952. They were the loving parents of Tamara, Lisa, and Merritt.

A lifelong member of the Church of Christ, Jody shared her faith serving as a minister’s wife, teaching Bible classes of all ages, and attending worship services with her Highland Church of Christ family.

A devoted mother and grandmother, Jody enjoyed family gatherings and holidays. She was well known for the wonderful meals she prepared. She loved sewing, gardening, and cooking, and had a special gift of sending cards for every occasion, with a stick of gum enclosed for each grandchild and great-grandchild.

She and Bill went on many camping trips in their 5th wheel, enjoying the company of grandchildren and church buddies. Jody was also an avid OU, OSU, (yes, that’s right, BOTH teams!) and OKC Thunder fan and anyone who knew her, knew not to call or visit during games!

Jody served as the Deputy County Superintendent of Schools in Pottawatomie County for many years. She was also the District Director for The World Book Encyclopedia Company.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Bill Roberts; and great-grandson, Cade Lozano.

She is survived by her two daughters and sons-in-law, Tamara and Buddy Lawson of Shawnee and Lisa and Tom Wise of Lititz, PA; son and daughter-in-law Merritt and Denise Roberts of Guthrie; sister and brother-in-law Carol and Farrell “Bo” Stephens of Abilene, TX; brother-in-law and sister-in-law Ron and Joyce Roberts of Poteau; grandchildren Heather and Chad Bowlan, Preston French, Tara and Troy Ford, Whitney Lawson, Courtney and Chris Elliot, Bethaney and Mike Jenkins, Shani Kruljac and Michael DePalma, Bethany Welden, Chelsey Welden, Sierra Welden, Connie and Josh Malott, and Christin and Andrew Monger, Ridge and Emily Roberts, Rachel Roberts, and Reed Roberts; 19 great-grandchildren; the extended family; her Church of Christ family; loving friends; and caregivers.

At the family’s request, in lieu of flowers, donations in Jody’s memory may be made to In Search Of the Lord’s Way (at http://www.searchtv.org).

Private graveside services were held May 11 at Tecumseh Cemetery with Erick Henson, Tecumseh Highland Church of Christ, and Brett McKnight officiating under the direction of Cooper Funeral Home of Tecumseh.