JoAnn Belveal

JoAnn Brown Belveal, 85, of Oklahoma City, OK, passed away February 23, 2025. She was born in Post, Texas on May 9, 1939. JoAnn graduated from Levelland High School in May, 1958.

She was married to John T. Belveal on June 21, 1958. JoAnn was a devoted Air Force wife throughout John’s 20 years of service as a Fighter Pilot.

JoAnn spent 25 years of her life as a foster parent, welcoming 77 children into her home with open arms and an even bigger heart. Her nurturing spirit and boundless love for others earned her the affectionate nickname "MomJo," a name that will forever hold a place in the hearts of all who knew her. She found great joy in watching her foster children grow, succeed, and find their own paths, and her legacy of love will continue to live on through them.

MomJo’s family was her greatest joy. She cherished every moment spent with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, always offering wisdom, love, and comfort. Her devotion to family was unwavering, and she played the role of peacekeeper in the family, especially when the Belveal clan’s famously strong-willed personalities needed a calming touch.

Beyond her family, JoAnn had a deep love for nature. Her garden was her sanctuary, where she could nurture the plants and flowers she so dearly loved. She had a special place in her heart for animals, especially dogs and hummingbirds, and she enjoyed capturing moments of beauty in both family and nature through her photography.

JoAnn also served as the family’s unofficial tech support member. With a sharp mind for all things technology, she could always be counted on to help troubleshoot problems and offer advice, no matter how big or small.

MomJo used many forms of communication to stay in touch with her friends and family. She used a TTY machine for phone calls and taught basic ASL signs to her grandchildren. In 2002, she courageously decided to get a Cochlear implant which was a positive, life changing event that further increased her communications with family and friends. Later, with the advent of smart phones, she quickly adapted to texting to keep in touch with loved ones both near and far.

Her warm heart, gentle spirit, and immense kindness will be missed by all who knew her. JoAnn’s legacy of love, service, and dedication will live on in the countless lives she touched.

JoAnn was preceded in death by her parents James & Tomilee Brown, her sister Barbara Diller, and her beloved husband of 63 years, John Belveal. She is survived by her sister Areta Robinson, children Angela Belveal, Shawn Belveal, and Danny Belveal, grandchildren Crystal Schmidlkofer, Jonathan Davis, Damon Belveal, Areta Ann LaDay, Kimberly Belveal, Logan Belveal, Millie Belveal, Victoria Belveal, and great-grandchildren Aurianna Henning, Ryleigh Hill, Veda Belveal, Taylor Tice, Vance Belveal and Paisley Hamilton.

The family is especially grateful to Angela for her unwavering dedication in caring for JoAnn. Angela moved into a home nearby specifically to care for John and MomJo in 2018 and later moved into MomJo’s home to provide continuous care, allowing MomJo to remain in her home even as her health declined. A special thank you to all the many Home Healthcare/Hospice caretakers and Kendall Vinson who helped enable her to remain comfortable in her home in her final months.

A visitation for JoAnn will be held Friday, February 28, 2025 from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Memorial Park Funeral Home, 13313 North Kelley, Oklahoma City, OK 73131.

A funeral service will occur Saturday, March 1, 2025 at 2:00 PM, at Memorial Park Funeral Home, located at 13313 North Kelley, Oklahoma City, OK 73131, as well as being live streamed.

A graveside service will occur Monday, March 3, 2025 at 11:00 AM at Fort Sill National Cemetery, 2648 NE Jake Dunn Rd, Elgin, OK 73538.