Jimmie Diane Ware

Our world lost its brightest light on Sunday, March 8, 2026. Jimmie Diane Ware passed away peacefully at home after a brief illness, surrounded by her devoted husband, loving family, lifelong friends Jackie and Mike Castleberry, and her beloved puppy, Bella. To say she will be missed feels far too small to capture the depth of our loss.

Jimmie was born on April 4, 1948, in Oklahoma City and was raised in Midwest City. She graduated from Midwest City High School in 1966. In sixth grade, she met the love of her life, John Ware, a boy who would one day become her husband. After high school, Jimmie attended Oklahoma State University and later completed her degree in Elementary Education at Central State University. She and John were married on July 19, 1969, at the Midwest City First Church of the Nazarene.

Jimmie began her teaching career at Barnes Elementary as a kindergarten teacher before finding her true calling in second grade, where she remained until her retirement in 1995. She was more than a teacher-she was a steady presence, a champion, and a source of unconditional encouragement for every child who entered her classroom. Her approach was deeply personal and rooted in love for each and every child who entered her classroom. Even decades later, former Barnes Bluejays would stop her to share how she had impacted their lives, often recalling the extra time she gave, the confidence she built, and the care she showed during difficult moments. In 1985, Jimmie earned her Master's Degree +30 from Central State University, completing it in just three semesters while working full-time and raising her family-a testament to her determination and work ethic.

After retiring, Jimmie and John moved to Euless, Texas, for John's work. During this time, Jimmie discovered a second calling as a travel director-a role perfectly suited to her gifts for organization, hospitality, and dedication to fun! She led groups across the world, from Scotland to the Greek Islands, Hawaii, and the Caribbean. Always the first to rise and the last to turn in, she ensured that every traveler felt cared for and every experience was unforgettable.

In 2000, Jimmie and John purchased and began renovating their forever home-a lake cabin at Willow Springs on Lake Texoma in Mead, Oklahoma. It was here that Jimmie poured herself into her greatest joys: her grandchildren, fishing, and their lake family. She quickly earned a reputation as the best fisherman on the lake, often out-catching everyone else and posing with her prize catch and her beautiful, unmistakable smile. That same year, she welcomed her first granddaughter, Isabelle, followed by Anna Kate in 2003 and Brady in 2008. Her family grew larger when her daughter, Jennifer, married Bobby Daniel in 2009, and her son, Brandon, married Shawne Harrington Horn in 2013.

Jimmie was preceded in death by her parents, Audrey Maudine (Lotspeich) and James Thomson Cooper, and stepsister, Charlotte Wilkinson. She is survived by her beloved husband, John Morris Ware; her children, Brandon Jay Ware (Shawne) and Jennifer Lee Daniel (Bobby); her sister, Karen Anderson and stepbrother, Charles Seal; her grandchildren, Isabelle Ware Andruss (Grant), Anna Kate Ware, and Brady Ware; her step- grandchildren, Jackson Horn and Caroline Horn; as well as many cousins and extended family members. She also leaves behind a cherished community of lake friends whose friendship brought her immense joy and whose love, support, and prayers in recent weeks have meant so much to our family.

Our family extends heartfelt gratitude to Kay Forguson, Jimmie's longtime home health aide, for her exceptional kindness, compassion, and care.