Joann (Skaggs) Pickett

Joann (Skaggs) Pickett

November 4, 1934 – August 22, 2025

Joann went home peacefully on Friday, August 22, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.

Family

She is survived by her three daughters: Betty Makintubee and her husband Steve of Chandler, OK, Cherri Brown and her husband Ronnie of Carney, OK, and Janet Hall and her husband Lance of Tryon, OK; her grandchildren: Michele Hood and her husband Chuck of El Reno, OK, Michael Harris and his wife Joleen of Wellston, OK, Gerad Hall and his wife Samantha of Tryon, OK, Jodi Ortega and her husband Michael of Tryon, OK, Dustin Brown and his wife Jessica of Carney, OK, Lukas Brown and his wife Siara of Perkins, OK, and Dylan Makintubee of Chandler, OK; she was blessed with 17 great-grandchildren and 8 great-great-grandchildren.

Joann was preceded in death by her parents, Melvin and Nina Skaggs; her brothers Bob and Bill Skaggs; her granddaughter Kristal Harris Sanders; and her loving husband of 68 years, James “Sonny” Pickett.

Life and Legacy

Joann was born in Rush Springs, Oklahoma, and at a young age traveled from state to state with her family, working the fields picking cotton, hops, and strawberries. After years of traveling and camping along roadsides and lakes, the family eventually settled in Carney, OK.

It was there that, during a rain shower at an outdoor movie, Joann found herself taking refuge in Sonny’s truck—a meeting that would change her life. On September 27, 1952, Joann and Sonny married, beginning a life together filled with family, hard work, and love.

Together, they raised three wonderful daughters, hosted countless tea parties for grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and ran a successful dairy farm for 32 years. Joann was a dedicated member of her community, serving as an election clerk, a member of the Carney Home Demonstration Board, the Farmers Home Administration Board, and the Carney Christian Church.

A Life Well Lived

In later years, Joann traveled with her daughters to places like New York and Switzerland—and even enjoyed a Kid Rock concert. Through it all, her family remained her greatest joy.

She was able to remain at home during her final years with the loving support of her daughters, grandsons, and incredible caregivers: Beverly Clark, Terri Smith, Mattie Waldon, Torie Cartwright, and the compassionate team at Luminos Hospice.

Farewell

Her family fondly remembers her playful goodbye: “See ya later, alligator… after while, crocodile.”