JoAnna Newman, 86, of Oklahoma City passed away peacefully in her sleep on November 24, 2012 in Tulsa. A lifetime horticulturist, she had dedicated many hours to beautifying her state, surroundings, and gardens beloved by many. Her love of life and dedication served her well in not only the green house but in her relationships with friends and family. Always caring and helpful, JoAnna served on many committees and volunteer organizations dedicated to the care of those around her. Her favorite organization though was the Marching Band of the University of Oklahoma. A long-time season ticket holder and generous patron, JoAnna cherished the sound and energy of the Band and was thrilled to help support their talent. The scholarship fund she started for deserving and talented musicians seeking to join the OU Band will continue to spread a legacy of excellence in her honor. JoAnna was a founding member of Mayfair Heights United Methodist Church in Oklahoma City and after moving to Tulsa to be closer to remaining family, she joined Asbury United Methodist Church. She was a seasoned cook and a State Fair prize winning baker with recipes loved by the community. Her holiday treats were so popular that people would call weeks in advance to make sure they had secured a basket of her home-baked goodies. Her long time sewing hobby produced many beautiful quilts that will be passed down to her family for generations and her work as President of the Auxiliary Council at St. Simeon's in Tulsa will continue to benefit residents for years to come. During her lifetime, JoAnna was a doting wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. She was predeceased by her husband, William Newman, to whom she had been married almost 52 years, and sister, Mary Louise McConnell. She is survived by her brother, John Apple, daughter, Carol Chaffin, and son, Robert Newman, as well as five grandchildren and many close friends, such as Pam Ginther, Pat Perrin, Martha Van Hook, Bud Martin and Gwen Cline. JoAnna was especially grateful for the opportunity to get to know the Director of the OU Pride Band, Brian Britt and his family. She most cherished the time she had with them and their daughter, Avery. The family is grateful for the care and attention JoAnna received by the staff of St. Simeon's in Tulsa as well by St. John's Hospital ICU and CCU staff. A service will be held at 1:00pm on Thursday, November 29, 2012 at Mercer Adams Funeral Home, 3925 N. Asbury Ave., Bethany, OK, with a graveside service to follow. In lieu of flowers, you may send donations to her scholarship fund payable to the OU Foundation with JoAnna Newman in the memo line, c/o Karen Renfroe, University of Oklahoma 339 W. Boyd, Norman, OK 73019 or contact Karen at (405) 325-3366 or [emailprotected] All donations are tax deductible. Funeral Service Thursday, November 29, 2012 01:00 PM Mercer-Adams Chapel 3925 N. Asbury Bethany, OK 73008