Joanne Cecelia Sams

Joanne Cecilia Fitzgerald (Sams) passed away in her sleep March 18, 2022, in Tulsa Oklahoma. Joanne had recently moved to Tulsa to live with her daughter Melissa Fields to receive additional care. Also, in the photo of Joanne is Bailey, her 24 hour companion for 13 years. Bailey passed away 3 weeks prior to Joanne’s passing.

Joanne lived a long, happy life for 91 years. She was born in Joplin, Missouri on December 23, 1930, the daughter of Murray Fitzgerald and Gladys Zumwalt (Fitzgerald). Joanne was a lifelong member of the Catholic Church. As a child she attended St. Peters Elementary School and was a member of St. Peters Catholic Church. Later she attended McCauley Catholic High School where she was a Cheer Leader and discovered her love for Sports. Her love for sports continued until the day she passed watching her beloved Arkansas Razorbacks compete in the 2022 NCAA Tournament.

Joanne married the love of her life, Jay Frank Sams on April 13, 1951 (Friday the 13th) and enjoyed 56 years of marriage until Jay passed away July 2, 2007. Jay and Joanne raised five children on a small farm south of Joplin on NN Highway. As her son, I would say, it could have not been a better childhood. Their children, Melissa, Daniel, Patrick, Andrew and Peter loved their Parents. Joanne is preceded in death by her husband Jay, and her sons Daniel and Patrick. Joanne is survived by her daughter Melissa of Tulsa, Oklahoma, her son Andrew of Rogers, Arkansas, her son Peter of Garfield, Arkansas, 16 Grandchildren and 22 Great Grandchildren.

Joanne and Jay retired to Beaver Lake Arkansas in 1991 where they enjoyed, lake life, gardening, bird-watching, wildlife and spoiling grandchildren. They lived out their lives there until God called them home.

Joanne will be missed by her family and friends. Joanne was a Fiery, Irish Catholic pillar of the family. Joanne accepted nothing but your best effort, nothing but honesty, and nothing but compassion. She loved to argue (fight). She loved a spirited debate (fight). Life is good only if you can spar.

Joanne will be laid to rest in St. Vincent Cemetery on Saturday, May 21, 2022. There will be a Service at Rollins Funeral Home in Rogers, Arkansas starting at 10:30 AM. Friends are invited to celebrate Joanne’s life at Levi’s Restaurant & Pub following Joanne’s Service.