JoAnn Valdez

Funeral for JoAnn Della Valdez was at 1:30 p.m. Monday, March 2, 2026, at University Church of Christ with Eric Sharum, minister officiating.
Burial followed in Flower Mound Cemetery under the direction of Becker-Rabon Funeral Home.
Our beloved friend, mother, and nana, JoAnn Della Valdez, went home to be with her Heavenly Father on February 24, 2026. JoAnn was born on May 24, 1938, in Lawton, Oklahoma, to Ruffie Hershel Morris and Hazel Lorene (Sims) Morris. She and her twin brother, Jerry, were the first set of twins born at the Angus Hospital on C Avenue in Lawton.
JoAnn was raised on the family farm east of Lawton and attended Allendale, a one‑room schoolhouse, before continuing her education in Geronimo. It was there she met the love of her life, Ed Valdez. The two dated throughout school and were married on June 8, 1956, at her Aunt Clara's home in Lawton. They welcomed two children, Eddie and Trena, after settling in Lawton.
JoAnn's first job was at Johnson's Dairy in downtown Lawton, where-according to family stories-she enjoyed more than her fair share of free ice cream. On September 4, 1956, she began what would become a lifelong career at Security Bank & Trust. Over her 39 years of service, she worked in bookkeeping, the statement window, general ledger, payroll, safety deposit boxes, and the note window, ultimately retiring as Vice President of Operations on May 1, 1995. JoAnn also served as the Redcoat Ambassador for Security Bank starting in 1989, earning Ambassador of the Year numerous other honors. She was a dedicated member of Credit Professionals International and served on its Board of Directors.
After retirement, JoAnn and Ed cherished the opportunity to care for their first grandchild. Her greatest joy in life came from spending time with her grandchildren, and she delighted in making every holiday special. She loved watching OU softball and the OKC Thunder, and she especially enjoyed traveling, particularly her twice‑yearly trips to Branson with their friends Bill and Donna Murphy.
JoAnn and Ed were founding members of Sullivan Village Church of Christ, where she served faithfully as an elder's wife and Sunday School teacher. She later continued her service at University Church of Christ, teaching classes for as long as she was able. Their home was always open to youth groups and church activities. JoAnn took pride in ensuring her family was dressed in their Sunday best-color‑coordinated outfits and perfectly styled hair, whether by hairspray or a quick swipe of spit. She instilled in her family the values she lived by strong Christian faith, kindness, good work ethic, a tidy home, and taking pride in one's appearance.
JoAnn and Ed were married 66 years before his passing in May 2022. She missed him deeply every day. She was also preceded in death by her parents and her son‑in‑law, Johnny Burch.
JoAnn is survived by her son, Eddie, and his wife, Stephanie, of Lawton/OKC; her daughter, Trena Valdez‑Burch of Cache, and her significant other, Garvin Lee West of Walters; her four grandchildren, Travis Burch, Hannah and husband Kyle Cummings, Jake Valdez, and Joslyn Burch; her sister, Wanda Crow; her brother, Jerry Morris, and his wife, Neta, all of Geronimo; along with numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to Memorial Hospital Hospice and McMahon Tomlinson Nursing Center nurses, staff, and her roommate Jo Nation for their tender care, love, and support of JoAnn.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the University Church of Christ, Parker Place Living Centers in Lawton, Tipton Children's Home, or a charity of your choice.
An online guest book and sympathy cards are available at www.beckerfuneral.com