Joan D. Woolley

Joan Dale Woolley entered the presence of her Lord on Saturday, September 20, 2025, after enduring years of illness and pain with remarkable courage. Born in Holdenville, Oklahoma, on December 1, 1943, she was the daughter of Paul and Alice (Bernard) Colville, who preceded her in death. She was also preceded in death by her grandparents James Elmer Bernard and Tissie M. (Fennell), her aunt Myrtle and uncle Vernon Roberts, cousin Margorie Jean (Roberts) Milliman, half brother James Colville, Uncle Wayne Fite (husband of Alta Jewel Bernard), and her beloved grandson, Alexander Woolley. Also preceding Joan was her mother and father-in-law Marjorie (VanValkenburg) Woolley and Glenn Woolley.

Joan is survived by her husband of 65 years, Patrick Woolley; her son, Kevin Woolley, and his wife, Tiffani; her half brother Lonnie Colville and his wife Meichelle, along with their four daughters; grandchildren Joshua Woolley, Rachael (Woolley) wife of Luis Baeza, McKenzie Woolley, and Chase Woolley; and six great grandchildren—Madison, Natalie, Eli, Jillian Woolley, Jessiah, and Sophia Baeza. She is also remembered by brother-in-law Tom Hollis and nephews Tom II Hollis husband of Karen Hollis, Billy VanValkenburg, husband of Chris VanValkenburg; her brother-in-law Michael Woolley, husband of Bearleen Woolley and their three sons and their families, Shawn, Ryan, and Eric Woolley; Joe Ward and nieces Vicki Ward; and cousins Treda Jane (Fite) Caldwell and Allen Fite; and many other members of the family.

Joan served her country faithfully for ten years in the U.S. Army Reserve and later retired from Alcatel Lucent. Despite battling numerous ailments for many years, she exemplified the true meaning of love—as described in 1 Corinthians 13:4 (“Love is patient, love is kind”). Her radiant smile could lift a heavy heart, and her gentle presence brought comfort to all who visited. Joan found special joy in delivering communion to residents of nursing homes; in getting to know them personally, she made each one feel like family. She will be remembered for her love, kindness, selflessness, and boundless affection for all.

A deep advocate for stray animals, Joan never hesitated to offer water, food, or care—even to those passing through her porch. She would take injured animals to the vet and often ventured out at night to leave sustenance for a wary little stray cat—placing food on a leaf when no bowl could reach.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to Father Bird of Epiphany of the Lord Catholic Church for administering the Sacrament of the Sick and offering prayers of the dying

for Joan as she neared the end of her journey. In their final moment together, Joan raised her arm, pointed heavenward, and sweetly said, “Jesus, come get me.”

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to the Warr Acres Animal Shelter in Joan’s memory.