Jo Ann (Hummingbird) Kinney, a longtime resident of Tahlequah, passed from this life on Friday, January 12, 2018 in Tahlequah at the age of 75. Jo was born in Tahlequah, Oklahoma on October 9, 1942 to Dick Hummingbird and Flora Elizabeth (McKenzie) Hummingbird. Jo grew up in the Rocky Mountain community near Stilwell, Oklahoma, where she attended Echota Baptist Church. She attended Seneca Indian School in Wyandotte, Oklahoma and Sequoyah High School of Tahlequah, both native American boarding schools, as well as Caves Springs in Bunch, Oklahoma.
She was married to Earl Eugene Kinney in Granbury, Texas on July 24, 1981. They remained happily married for 36 years prior to her passing. Jo was a stay at home mother until her children reached adolescence. Her children have fond memories of the joy, love and nurturing they felt when she would join them outside to play games in the yard. She also continued that legacy as the grandchildren came and spent countless hours with them as well.
Jo worked for many years in the garment industry, holding several work titles including industrial fabric cutter and supervisor, she also modeled clothing, and worked as a retail store opener and trainer. Jo retired in May of 2008 at age 66 having worked for 13 faithful years for Cherokee Nation as a Residential Assistant at Sequoyah High School in Tahlequah. After her retirement, Jo and her husband Earl traveled to many places including Hawaii and Jamaica. They enjoyed cruises to Honduras and Belize, and also travelled to various parts of the US including Mesa Verde, Pike's Peak, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and Branson, Missouri. She enjoyed camping in Noel, Missouri and routinely enjoyed local Saturday drives. Jo attended functions, assisted with weekly Bingo games and taught line dancing at the Elks Lodge in Tahlequah. She regularly attended Tahlequah Senior Citizen's weekly dances. She was a member of the Markoma Gym in Tahlequah, and regularly worked out until she became ill. Jo had a great sense of humor and loved laughing. She had a zest for life and boundless energy in everything she did. Husband Earl commented, "We had a lot of love and enjoyed each other's company." She lead a rich and satisfying life, for she would not have it any other way! She had a tremendous impact on everyone she touched and will be greatly missed.
She was preceded in death by her parents; 7 brothers and 4 sisters; a step-son, Timothy Eugene Kinney; and a grandson, Zachary Benton Jones.
She is survived by her husband, Earl of the home; daughters, Dana Hall of Tahlequah, Angela Francis of Henryetta, Alicia Boulanger of Lake Elsinore, CA; a son, Jackie Francis and wife Jill of Henryetta; a step-daughter, Barbara Metivier of Florida; and an ex-husband, Jack Francis of Henryetta; by six grandchildren, Azure Larane Hall of Dallas, Jerrod Franklin Hall of Dallas, Monica Louise Boulanger of Lake Elsinore, CA, Raven Nicole Jones of Henryetta, Hunter Blake Jones of Henryetta, and Jace Boyd Francis of Henryetta; a great grandchild, Xander Joel Boulanger of Lake Elsinore, CA; four sisters, Jewell Milsap-Stilwell, Louise Carr, and Lucille Cain, all of Tahlequah, as well as Florine Brooks of Grove, OK; numerous other extended family and many good friends.
Viewing for Mrs. Kinney will be held at Integrity Funeral Service in Henryetta on Tuesday, January 16, 2018 from 12:00pm until 8:00pm. A lunch reception will be held at the Henryetta Civic Center, 115 S. 4th Street in Henryetta on Wednesday, January 17, 2018 from 11:30am until 2:00pm.
A funeral service is set for 2:00pm on Wednesday, January 17, 2018 at Integrity Chapel in Henryetta with Rev. Jack Vance officiating. Interment will follow immediately at Salem Cemetery under the direction of Integrity Funeral Service of Henryetta.
Pallbearers will be Harry Price, Floyd Price, Brian Swepston, Jackie Francis, Jace Francis, and Hunter Jones. Charles Taylor will be an honorary bearer.