Jo Alice Grafton was born October 8, 1932, to Lafayette "Fate" and Lillian Grafton of Buncombe, Texas. Unfortunately, by age 12 she had lost both her parents. As such the young orphan, and her brother James Ray, went to live with grandparents Quincy and Alice Collins. After their death, James Ray and Jo Alice, went to live with her Aunt Ruby and Uncle Calvin Ritter. She met her future husband, Charlie Birnie, while he was working for the summer in the east Texas oil field. Word around town was the 24 year old, in her words, "old maid" needed to meet Charlie, they quickly fell in love and were married within the year. Once married they traveled together from assignment to assignment, around New Mexico, Texas and finally settling in Tulsa, Oklahoma in 1969. The couple were married for 67 years and had four children.

Jo Alice is preceded in death by her loving husband of 67 years Charlie Cameron Birnie, parents, Lafayette and Lillian Grafton, Grandparents Quincy and Alice Collins; sister Maurine Nail and husband Leon; brother James Ray Grafton and wife Sue, Son-in-Law James Marion Frederick, and granddaughter Mary Elisabeth Frederick.

She is survived by the couple's four children: Cynthia Jo Frederick of Tulsa; Charles Gregory Birnie and wife Susan of Tulsa; Debra Louise Caywood and husband Steven of Broken Arrow; and William Fate Birnie of Tontitown, Arkansas. Eight grandchildren and 10 (soon to be 11) great grandchildren: Seth Alan Caywood, wife Kerin, and children Piper Enid, Maggie Ryan, Alice Belle, Ava Leigh, and Lyla Caroline; Charles Nathaniel Caywood and wife Lacey; Charles Austin Birnie, wife Alison, and children Winnie Kathleen and Charles Simon; Charity Brianna Caywood and son Weston Layne; Katherine Marie Vinyard, husband Nick and children Caroline Noelle and Natalie Elyse; James David Frederick; Rebekah Jo Frederick and Jonathan Cameron Frederick.

Jo and Charlie were faithful to their Lord. She was a member of South Lakewood Baptist Church, where she served faithfully for over 55 years. She will be missed by her family, church family and friends.

On July 19, 2024, Jo Alice Birnie departed this life, peacefully in her sleep, and was called home to the Lord joining her loved ones who had passed before. We take comfort in her peace and the belief that someday we will see her again in Glory.

Visitation will be 5-7PM, Tuesday, July 23, 2024 at Moore Southlawn, 9350 E. 51st, Tulsa, OK. Funeral Service will be 10:00 A.M., Wednesday, July 24, 2024 at South Lakewood Baptist Church, 6108 E. 20th St., Tulsa. Moore Southlawn 918-663-2233