Joanna Faye Etchison

Joanna Faye (Odom) Etchison entered the presence of her Heavenly Father on Monday, June 29, 2026, at the age of 83. Her earthly journey was one marked by unwavering faith, intellectual curiosity, compassionate service, and a profound devotion to those she loved. Though her voice has fallen silent, the lessons she taught, the lives she influenced, and the legacy she leaves behind will continue to echo for generations.

Joanna was born on September 18, 1942, to William “Pop” Odom and Cherry (Crow) Odom. She was raised in Wagoner, Oklahoma, where she graduated from Wagoner High School before pursuing higher education. Believing that knowledge was one of life’s greatest gifts, she continued her academic journey and earned her master’s degree, preparing for the career that would become her life’s calling.

On March 7, 1969, Joanna married the love of her life, Derril Robert Etchison. Together they built a life rooted in faith, love, and service to others, creating a home where kindness, integrity, and compassion were lived out each day.

For many years, Joanna faithfully served as an educator, dedicating herself to shaping young minds and encouraging students to discover their own potential. To countless students, she was far more than a teacher. She was a mentor, an encourager, and an example of excellence. Her classroom was a place where learning was expected, character was cultivated, and every student was challenged to become the very best version of themselves. The influence of a great educator cannot be measured in years, but in the lives forever changed, and Joanna’s impact will continue long beyond her lifetime.

Her faith was the foundation upon which every aspect of her life was built. Joanna was a devoted Christian woman whose trust in her Lord and Savior guided her through every season. She loved studying God’s Word, mentoring others in their faith, and quietly serving those around her with humility and grace. Her life reflected the love of Christ, not only in what she believed, but in how she treated every person she encountered.

Deeply woven into the fabric of Wagoner, Joanna came from a family whose roots reached generations into the community. Her father, William “Pop” Odom, was so respected that the local football stadium proudly bears his name, a lasting tribute to the family’s enduring legacy. Joanna carried that same spirit of community throughout her life, becoming a respected leader, mentor, and faithful servant. As President of P.E.O., she dedicated herself to encouraging educational opportunities and empowering women to achieve their fullest potential.

Joanna found joy in life’s simple blessings. She loved tending her gardens, maintaining a lawn and flower beds that reflected her attention to detail and appreciation for God’s creation, and spending time outdoors. Her generous heart often found creative ways to help others, even gathering items from around her property so someone else could earn a little extra money. She saw value where others saw little, and she saw people as God saw them, worthy of kindness, encouragement, and love.

Above every accomplishment, Joanna treasured her family. She was a devoted mother whose love was steadfast and unconditional, and nothing brought a brighter smile to her face than her beloved granddaughter, Ava Faye Birch, whom she delighted in spoiling. They were among her greatest earthly blessings.

While her family grieves her absence, they rejoice knowing that Joanna has been welcomed into the eternal presence of the Savior she faithfully served. Her life was a beautiful testimony that true success is measured not by what we accumulate, but by the lives we touch, the faith we share, and the love we leave behind.

Joanna was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Derril Robert Etchison; her parents, William “Pop” and Cherry Odom; and her brother, Jimmy Odom.

She leaves to cherish her memory her daughters, Hannah Etchison Birch and husband, Larry, of Sapulpa, Oklahoma, and Tessa Lynn Etchison Freeman and husband, Danny, of Fort Smith, Arkansas; her bonus son, Roy Easley, whom Joanna lovingly helped raise and whose life she greatly influenced; her treasured granddaughter, Ava Faye Birch; along with many extended family members, former students, treasured friends, and countless individuals whose lives were forever enriched by her wisdom, compassion, and unwavering faith.

Joanna’s passing leaves an immeasurable void, but her legacy of faith, education, generosity, and love will continue to flourish in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her.

The family asks that you join them as they celebrate the beloved Joanna Faye Etchison on Sunday, August 2, 2026, from 3-5 p.m. at Indian Springs in Broken Arrow, OK.  In honoring Joanna's wishes, this will be a come-and-go Celebration of Life reception filled with family, friends, food, and memories.  The family asks that you RSVP with Hannah Birch at 1-817-454-1439 by July 29, 2026, so enough food is prepared for everyone.  

For those who would like to send flowers, the family kindly asks that arrangements be purchased through Wagoner Flowers, 918-485-2177.   

The family of Joanna Etchison has entrusted her care and services to Mallett Funeral Home and Crematory, 417 East Cherokee Street, Wagoner, Oklahoma 74467. For additional information, please call 918-485-2911.