Phyllis Annette Jones-Esparza

Phyllis Annette "Annie" Jones-Esparza, 79, of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, passed away on March 21, 2026.

Born in Clayton, Oklahoma, Annie lived a life defined by compassion, strength, and an unwavering commitment to others. She dedicated her career to social work, serving in various roles including OU Health Family Medicine Center, where she made a lasting impact on countless lives. It was there in the 1990s that she met her late husband, Barnabas Esparza. Annie earned her Master's degree in Social Work from the University of Oklahoma in 1987. She was a member of Phi Beta Kappa and the Golden Key National Honor Society, reflecting her commitment to academic excellence. She also achieved certification as a Master Gardener through Oklahoma State University.

Annie was preceded in death by her first husband, Jeff Dale Jones; her second husband, Barnabas Esparza; her parents, Melvin Johnson and his wife; and her beloved great-granddaughter, Lillian Gaddy.

She is survived by her children, Jennifer Jones and Daniel Jones; her grandchildren, Rachel Boatright (Tim), Lauren Jones, Hayley Jones, Jeffrey Wood, Levi Wood, and Lacy Wood; and her cherished great-grandchildren, Jordan Gaddy, Logan Gaddy, Matthew Wood, Cameron Boatright, Raelynn Boatright, Dylan Gaddy, and one great-grandchild on the way. She is also survived by her brothers, Leon Johnson and Melvin Johnson, her sister, along with extended family, dear friends, and neighbors who loved and cared for her.

Known affectionately as "Annie," she was a force of nature-fierce, deeply loving, and unapologetically herself. She stood strong in her beliefs, always willing to speak up for others when they could not find their voice. Annie was a mentor, a protector, and a safe place for so many. She welcomed everyone with open arms and had a rare gift for making people feel like family.

She found joy in quilting and gardening and took great pride in her work as a Master Gardener. Annie also had a deep love for travel and adventure, creating memories across the world-including walking the Great Wall of China in 1995. A devoted supporter of the University of Oklahoma, Annie "bled crimson" and was a passionate fan of Oklahoma Sooners football, as well as a proud supporter of the OU Foundation.

She gave generously of her time, volunteering with Grace Living Center and Alleve Hospice, continuing her lifelong mission of caring for others.

Annie was perhaps most famous among those who knew her best for her baking-especially her legendary "Annie's Kick Ass Cookies," along with her brownies and bread pudding. She loved her coffee dark and her chocolate even darker, and she loved nothing more than feeding the people she cared about.

Though not traditionally religious, Annie was deeply spiritual, guided by a strong sense of compassion, justice, and love for others.

A celebration of Annie's life will be on Saturday, April 4, 2026, at 4 p.m. at Oakcrest Church of Christ in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

Annie leaves behind a legacy of fierce love, unwavering strength, and a life that made others feel seen, heard, and cared for. Her spirit will live on in every act of kindness, every shared story, and every batch of cookies made with love. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.