Joni Lynn McClain MD, age 66, of Oklahoma City passed away on Wednesday, March 20, 2024. Joni was born May 9, 1957 to John Norman McClain, Sr. and Mary Ann Johnson McClain in Oklahoma City. Both parents preceded Joni in death. Her brother, John Jr., was born in 1960 and died in 2004. She was co-valedictorian at Putnam City High School in 1975. She received a scholarship to Central State University (now known as the University of Central Oklahoma). She graduated in 1979 - Summa Cum Laude with a B.S. in Chemistry (pre-med). She went on to enter the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine and graduated in 1983 with a Doctor of Medicine degree. She then entered a four year residency at the OUHSC in anatomic/clinical pathology. She then went to Indianapolis, IN to enter a fellowship in Forensic Pathology. (87-88). Joni received a health profession scholarship with the USAF and was assigned to the Armed Forces Medical Examiner at the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology in Washington DC as a Medical Examiner. She attended the School of Aerospace Medicine and became a flight surgeon. During her time in the military, she became a Major in the Air Force. She investigated multiple aircraft accidents, the USS Iowa investigation, Desert Shield/Desert Storm, and Operation Just Cause in Panama. After completing her four year commitment to the Air Force, she became a Medical Examiner at the Southwestern Institute of Forensic Science in Dallas. She was Deputy Chief Medical Examiner from 2004-2014 and retired in 2014. Joni was past president of the National Association of Medical Examiners in 2002. She was also on the Board of Directors of NAME, Past Chairman of the Board of Directors and a Fellow of the Path/Bio Section of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences. After retirement she took many trips and made friends with the Chemsource Group that consists of many chemists, including her favorite chemistry professor, Dr. Larry Westmoreland and her pre-med advisor, Dr. David Hart. Joni served on the Alumni Board at UCO as well as the Board of Trustees of the University of Central Oklahoma Foundation. She established an endowed scholarship at UCO for pre-med students with financial need. She also contributed to building a courtyard at the STEM building for students and faculty to enjoy. Joni was awarded the Legacy award for her contributions to the University of Central Oklahoma. She was also awarded the Distinguished Alumni Award from UCO. Joni has been a lifetime member of St. Luke's United Methodist Church in Oklahoma City.
"My life has been great and I wouldn't change anything. I had the best parents that anyone could ask for. I am ready to see my family and friends again in Heaven. Jesus Christ is my Savior and I love God with all my heart"
Graveside services will be 2pm Saturday, March 30, 2024 at Memorial Park Cemetery.
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