Jo Ann Workman

Jo Ann (Lewis) Workman of Norman, Oklahoma, passed away peacefully on September 6, 2025, at the age of 84. She was born on October 20, 1940, in Shawnee, Oklahoma, to Robert Raymond Lewis and Cybil Ernestine (Wood) Lewis.

Jo Ann spent much of her early life in West Virginia, where she graduated from Clendenin High School in Clendenin. It was there that she met the love of her life, Paul Bowen Workman. The two were married on October 2, 1960, and shared 27 cherished years together until Paul’s passing on December 31, 1987. In April 1970, Jo Ann and Paul made their home in Norman, Oklahoma, where she lived for the remainder of her life.

A woman of humor and resilience, Jo Ann had a deep love for music, especially anything she could skate to. An exceptional skater, she passed that joy and skill on to many, and her love of skating became a treasured part of her legacy. Her favorite colors were crimson and cream, a reflection of her proud Oklahoma spirit.

Jo Ann found joy in the simple things: watching her great-grandchildren play, doing word search puzzles, and keeping an eye on the neighborhood from behind the blinds. She laughed the hardest at family stories, particularly when told by Johnny, Jeff, or sometimes Steve. Her heart was especially tender toward those who were struggling, and she was known for her kindness, acceptance, and being a truly great neighbor.

She was a devoted member of Alameda Baptist Church and worked with dedication as an aide in the mental health field, where her patients always came first, even before her own safety. Among her proudest accomplishments were raising her children and helping raise her grandchildren, whom she loved deeply. She adored all her dogs through the years, but Sadie held a special place in her heart.

Jo Ann is survived by her children: Linda Zamudio and her spouse Michael of Norman, Oklahoma; Lisa Ray and her spouse Kevin Ray of Bryson, Texas; and Robert Workman of Norman, Oklahoma. She leaves behind nine grandchildren: Aubrey Ray, Jasmine Miller, Christopher Self, Patrick Powers, Melissa Exum, Jordan (Workman) Romo, K.O. Ray, and Evie Workman. Her legacy also lives on through 13 great-grandchildren: Jack Stephens, Harley Ray, Brylen Exum, Emma Rackham, Carter Exum, Reese Exum, Scarlett Rackham, Bowen Exum, Remy Miller, Penelope Brooks, Valerie Brooks, and Nick Miller.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Paul; her parents, Robert and Cybil Lewis; her siblings and their spouses: Robert (Jess), Bill (Louise "Jigs"), and Jerry (Jean); and her granddaughter Hannah Workman.

The family extends their deepest thanks to the compassionate care teams from Loving Care Home Health and Hospice and Medical Park West, especially Tovia Chambers, Danielle and Patty Brown, Gaye, Liz, Logan, Jill, Pastor Thom, and Michelle.

A memorial service celebrating Jo Ann’s life will be held on Saturday, October 18th at 2:00 PM at Primrose Funeral Service Chapel, with Deacon Steve Lewis officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Jo Ann’s memory to the Southwest Oklahoma Animal Network, honoring her lifelong love for animals.

Jo Ann will be remembered for her generous spirit, fierce love for her family, and the joy she brought into the lives of all who knew her.