Graveside funeral rites for Drumright resident, Jo Lea Bell, were held 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, May 16, 2018 in the Kellyville Cemetery with Mr. Wayne Cox of the Drumright Bible Believers Church officiating. Funeral arrangements were entrusted to the care of Michael’s Funeral Home-Bristow.
Jo Lea was born in Lompoc, California on November 20, 1947 to William Arthur Degraffenreed & Freda Jo (Wolfe) Degraffenreed. She passed from this life in Mannford on May 11, 2018 at the age of 70 years, 5 months, & 21 days. Jo was raised & educated in Sapulpa, was a 1965 graduate of Sapulpa High School, & furthered her education at NSC College. Her working career included being a hairstylist/cosmetologist & a reporter; working at one time for Country Music Review. She moved to Drumright from Kellyville in 2010 when she met Thomas Alva Bell. They were married on October 10, 2013 & remained together until his tragic death in 2018. Jo enjoyed singing, playing the piano & guitar, and writing country music songs.
Her remaining family includes a SON: Justin Lane Smith of Okemah; GRANDCHILDREN: Dylan Smith & Gracie Smith; her MOTHER: Freda Jo Degraffenreed of Kellyville; SISTER: Jeannie Marie Whisenhunt & husband Ross of Kellyville; NIECES & NEPHEWS: Jeffrey & Dana Smith – Jerod & Katina Smith – Eric & Nicole Whisenhunt – Stephanie & Anthony Gaytor ; several GREAT Nieces & Nephews; STEPCHILDREN & their families: Sandy & Richard Vanderslice of Bristow – Tommy & Brenda Bell of Sand Springs – Steve & Debbie Bell of Bristow – Mike Bell of North Dakota; & Numerous other relatives. Online condolences may be expressed at www.MichaelsFuneralServices.com
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