Jo-Ann (Pitts) Gabbart

Elva Jo-Ann (Pitts) Gabbart, age 86, a longtime Daisy resident. She was born on Sunday, May 5, 1940, to Carl Dennis and Iva Jane (Brown) Pitts, in Atoka, OK.

Jo-Ann passed away on Monday, September 28, 2026 in Durant, OK at 86 years, 4 months and 23 days.

She attended school in Tushka where she was a state champion volleyball player before receiving her Master's Degree from Southeastern Oklahoma State University as a Reading Specialist. Jo-Ann was an elementary school teacher in Stringtown and Atoka, before becoming, a reading specialist for Atoka for many years.

She married Rowland Louis Gabbart on May 28th, 1958 in Stringtown, OK. They celebrated over 50 years of marriage before his passing on January 8, 2009.

Jo-Ann was a devoted member of McGee Valley Baptist Church, where she loved serving others and being involved in her church and community. She was also a member of the Atoka County Retired Teachers and the Gray Haired Angels Traveling (GHAT) Group.

A gifted elementary school teacher, Jo-Ann found great joy in positively impacting the lives of children and encouraging them along the way.

She was a loving and devoted wife to the love of her life, Rowland Gabbart. She was also a wonderful, loving mother to her three boys and was always supportive of them and their families. Her greatest joys came from her family, especially the time she spent with her children, grandchildren, family, and friends.

Jo-Ann spent most of her life living on a farm. She was the queen of her mountain and was equally comfortable caring for her farm as she was attending church or a banquet. She never left the house without her hair and makeup perfect and looking like a lady.

She loved reading, crossword puzzles, her flower garden, traveling, camping, fishing, and playing cards with her grandchildren. She enjoyed hot fudge sundaes from Braum's and a good hamburger from the Daisy Store, especially when having them with family and friends. Most of all, Jo-Ann lived a life centered around faith, family, hard work, and service. She loved helping others and made a lasting difference in the lives of her family, church, friends, students, and community. Her love, strength, grace, and spirit will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

Jo-Ann is survived by

SONS: Billy Gabbart and wife Brenda of Daisy, OK, Teddy Gabbart and wife Amy from Caddo, OK

GRANDCHILDREN: Amanda Peterson and husband Nathan of Calera, OK, Matthew Gabbart and wife Brette of Pottsboro, TX, Ashton Gabbart of Dallas, TX, Alexis Gabbart and husband Yaman Kharsa of Carrolton, TX, Adyson Gabbart of Caddo, OK

GREAT GRANDCHILDREN: Harper Gabbart, Oliver Gabbart, Barrett Gabbart, Elliott Peterson, Kaydon Peterson, Amari Downs

along with nieces, nephews, other relatives and many dear and loved friends.

PRECEDED IN DEATH BY

PARENTS: Carl and Iva Jane Pitts

HUSBAND: Rowland Louis Gabbart

Son: Dennis Earl Gabbart

Siblings: Louise Van Camp, James Jerold Pitts, Charles Benson Pitts, Carl David Pitts

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DATE OF SERVICES: 10:00 AM Monday, October 5th, 2026

PLACE OF SERVICES: McGee Valley Baptist Church, Daisy, Oklahoma

OFFICIATING: Bro. Brandon Martin and Bro. Joey Lansdale

INTERMENT: Mt. Home Cemetery, Daisy, Oklahoma

CASKETBEARERS: Matthew Gabbart, Ashton Gabbart, Clay Cole, Charlie Hensley, Glenn Wyrick, Clay Wyrick

HONORARY CASKETBEARERS: Ronnie Pitts, Mike Pitts, Carla Keeler, Barbara Kilgore, Benny Wyrick, Chris Kellogg, Owen Kellogg, Gary Isom, Rick Hensley

CONDOLENCES MAY BE SENT TO THE FAMILY BY EMAIL TO: BROWNS@ATOKA.NET. PLEASE REFERENCE THE NAME OF THE DECEASED IN YOUR CORRESPONDENCE

FAMILY NIGHT IS SUNDAY 4-6PM

SERVICES UNDER THE DIRECTION OF

BROWN’S FUNERAL SERVICE - ATOKA, OK