Joan Spade

Joan Spade, age 84, of Grove, Oklahoma, went to her heavenly home on Monday, August 25, 2025 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. She was born on August 3, 1941 in Grove, OK to her parents Esiah Jumper and Nancy Teehee-Jumper.

Joan attended Grove High School in Grove, OK and later she received her GED. She married Johnnie Lee Spade on June 1, 1963. She was a hard worker and worked at the Chicken Plant in Southwest City, MO for years, then worked at a local Head Start in Grove, OK. Then moved on and was hired by The Grove School District of Grove, OK and after working many years, she finally decided to retire.

Joan was proud of her Cherokee Heritage. She was full blood Cherokee and a fluent Cherokee Speaker. She was a member of the Cherokee Nation Speakers Bureau. Joan taught the Cherokee language at Grove Schools for years. She traveled to Hawaii and Washington D.C., as well as many other cities teaching the Cherokee Language. She taught many kids and has won the Cherokee Nation Language and Challenge Bowl, winning several competitions. Joan was a member of the Native American Performing Arts Troupe in Grove, OK. In 2011 Joan was nominated and won the National Indian Education Assoc Elder of the year over the whole United States. She was so proud, honored and humble, accepting such a prestigious award.

Joan loved her sports and played softball until she was 61 years old. She especially loved watching the Oklahoma City Thunder play on TV or at the games. Joan also loved exploring and working outdoors. She was a lady of strong faith and loved her Lord and Savior. She served church faithfully and last attended Faith Mission Church of Jay, OK. Joan will be dearly missed by her family and friends.

Joan is proceeded in death by her late husband, Johnnie Lee Spade; her parents Esiah and Nancy Teehee-Jumper; Son-in-laws Marvin Keith of Vinita, OK and Johnny Morris of Salina, OK; her Siblings Mary Snell, twin Joe Jumper, Barney Jumper, Bert Jumper and Wallace Jumper, Sr.

Joan is survived by her children Brenda Keith of Vinita, OK., Lisa (Mary Ellen) Morris of Salina, OK, Patricia and Kelson Buck of Shelbyville, TN; Grandkids Nicole Keith, Stephanie, Keith, Michael Buck, Tyler Buck, Jonathan Morris, and several great grandkids and great-great grandkids; many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

Joan's Celebration of Life Wake Service will be held on Friday, 6:00pm, August 29, 2025 at Lawson's Funeral Homes & Cremation Services Chapel, 311 W. Gray St., Jay, OK 74346. Followed by her family visitation to greet friends until 8:00pm.

Joan's Celebration of Life Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, 11:00am, August 30, 2025 Piney Baptist Church, 15630 E 450 Rd., Jay, OK 74346 with pastor Jess Jones Jr. officiating.

Joan's burial will be held at Jumper Cemetery, Jay, OK.

Arrangements are entrusted to Lawson's Funeral Homes & Cremation Services, 311 W Gray St., Jay, OK. 74346 with Shaunda J. Lawson, 3rd Generation Owner/Funeral Director and Staff.