Jo Ann Yarbrough

JoAnn (Arnold) Yarbrough, 85, born on November 1, 1939, in Belpre, KS and was sent to her eternal home on February 1, 2025, in Muskogee, OK, due to a short battle with cancer. JoAnn, "Jo, Mom, German, Grandma or Aunt JoAnn", as she was affectionately known, was a shining light in the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her journey on this earth was one marked by hard work, unconditional love, compassion, and unwavering faith in God. She was a strong prayer warrior. Her passing has left a void in the hearts of her family and friends. We ask that you remember her not for the way her life ended, but for the way it was lived, and for the profound impact she had on the lives of those who had the pleasure of knowing her.
At the age of 16, JoAnn married the love of her life Gene Yarbrough. They were married in Minden, NV and lived in Napa, CA. A year after marriage their first child, Larry was born in Castro Valley, CA. Soon after the birth of Larry they moved to Oklahoma for Gene's work and family. In 1968, JoAnn and Gene adopted their first daughter, Debra. Both were very proud to be parents of two children! Surprisingly in 1973 they gave birth to their third child, Linda and again happy to have now, three children. JoAnn in her youth was a Rainbow girl, which was a great honor to her. She was a hard worker if it be helping Gene carry shingles or a devoted home room mother or brownie troop leader. JoAnn worked for Kmart in Muskogee for numerous years until her retirement. She enjoyed many years being on a bowling league in Muskogee! She was a devoted sports mom with baseball and softball. She loved animals and providing a good home for many over the years! JoAnn loved children and many neighbor kids often ran to her house. Her potato salad was always the family request. Those who knew JoAnn will remember her for having a strong personality that loved unconditionally and put others first. She would often say, "have patience."
May her memory of being a wonderful and loving mom, sister, grandma, aunt and friend always be in the hearts of each of us. As our days can be chaotic or quiet may we each remember her and the memories we share. Let her peace and comfort she has shown to us be strongly felt, always. She spent many years with Grandview Baptist Church, in Muskogee, OK. She was a member of Ash Street Baptist in Muskogee, OK at the time of her passing. The family would like to thank Northeastern Health System in Tahlequah and Dr. Bill Simpson, Pleasant Valley Nursing Home, Elaine Moore, and Emerald Hospice for such respect and loving care.
JoAnn is survived by her children, Larry (Charla), Debbie, Linda (Amber), her sister, Linda from Modesto, CA.; grandchildren, Deanna Croman, Lanny Yarbrough and Kelly Hayes, 17 great grandkids and 2 great-great grandkids, and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband of 50 years, Gene Yarbrough, her parents, Alfred Arnold and Marietta Nowlin, two brothers, Harry and Gary Arnold, and granddaughter, Crystal Taylor.
A Celebration of Life will be held to honor JoAnn 10AM Wednesday February 5, 2025 at Ash St Baptist Church, Muskogee, OK with Brother David Yarbrough officiating. James Frost, Lanny Yarbrough, Wyatt Croman, David Gibson, Clinton Fowler, Mike Smith, Dan Johnson, and Scott Hayes will be serving as Casket Bearers and Neighbors, June Frost, Brenda Adcock, Lindsey Toney, Delores Owens and special friend, Larry Moore will be serving as Honorary Casket Bearers. A visitation where the family will be accepting friends will be held on Tuesday, February 4, 2025, from 5PM to 7PM at Clifford D Garrett Family Funeral Home and Crematory, Muskogee, OK.
The family of JoAnn Yarbrough has entrusted her care, service and burial to Clifford D Garrett Family Funeral Home and Crematory, Muskogee, OK.
Online condolences may be left for the family at clifforddgarrettfamilyfh.com