Joanne "Jody" Harwell Simpson Williams, a life-long Tulsan, died April 23, 2021 at the age of 92. She was born on December 27, 1928 at Morningside (now Hillcrest) Hospital in Tulsa to Dr. Carl F. and Patti Harwell Simpson.
She attended Lee Elementary School and Central High School, graduating in 1946. For two years she attended Randolph Macon Women's College in Lynchburg, Virginia and then returned home to the University of Oklahoma where she graduated in 1950 with a Bachelor of Arts degree.
She was a member of Kappa Alpha Theta sorority, Junior League of Tulsa, Southern Hills Country Club and a member of St. John Episcopal Church. She enjoyed long time memberships in her Sewing and Garden Clubs. Jody served on the Boards of Philbrook Art Museum, Tulsa Opera and the Arts and Humanities Council. She was also a member of the Tulsa Town Hall Council where she served a term as President. In addition, she was an Emeritus member of the Tulsa Historical Society Board.
Preceding Jody in death on May 1, 2013, was her husband, John H. Williams. He was "the love of her life".
Survivors include her sister, Carolyn Simpson Herrman, of Tulsa; three stepsons: John H. Williams, Jr. (Carol), Burch I. Williams (Gay), and S. Miller Williams (Constance); five grandsons: Grant Williams (Ysidra), Alan Williams, David Williams (Elizabeth), Zach Malone, Ryan Williams and four great-grandchildren. Jody also leaves behind five nieces and nephews: Pat Hartman of Tulsa, Margaret Rhine (Greg), Henry Herrman, John Herrman and Judy Kilpatrick (Lance). Also, seven grandnieces and nephews, two of whom live in Tulsa: Meg Ritzky, Anne Pagano and a great-great-niece and nephew.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Tulsa Opera, Tulsa Town Hall, Tulsa Historical Society, or a charity of choice.
The family wishes to thank Jody's caregivers from My Choice for their care and kindness.
Private family services will be held.