Jo Ella Harrison

Jo Ella Harrison, 82, of Ada, Oklahoma, passed away October 7, 2026, at home. She was born September 16, 1944, in Konawa, Oklahoma to Doug and Irene Stockton.

Jo Ella grew up and attended school in Konawa, graduating in 1962. She played clarinet in the band and was a twirler. In 1961 she was named Band Queen, and in 1962 Football Queen. She was also selected to attend Girls State, was in the Beta Club and a senior class officer.

She married Bill Harrison on February 14, 1963, in Konawa, Oklahoma, and the couple made their first home in Byng before moving into Ada in 1973, where they raised their family.

Jo Ella attended East Central University where she played in the band for two years, and earned both a Bachelor's and Master's degree in Education. She taught for one year at the Oklahoma School for the Deaf before stepping away from teaching for several years. During that time, she owned and operated Harrison's Hallmark store on Main Street in Ada and later served as church secretary at Central Church of Christ. In 1987, she returned to teaching full time at Pickett Center, where she taught 7th and 8th grade until her retirement in 2007. She was named Teacher of the Year multiple times during her tenure.

She was a faithful, active member of the Central Church of Christ in Ada for over 40 years. While serving as church secretary, Jo Ella recognized the need for a preschool at Central and helped establish Central Bible Academy, which continues to teach 2, 3, and 4-year-olds today. She later coordinated and prepared Wednesday night meals for church members each week for several years. She was also among the first volunteers for the Compassion Outreach Center.

An avid bowler and devoted OU football fan, Jo Ella and Bill spent the 1970s and early 1980s traveling the country in their motorhome, taking their kids - and often many other kids along the way - to every OU football game and countless bowling tournaments. She bowled on Monday nights for more than 30 years and led road trips with her girlfriends to tournaments across the country.

Jo Ella was involved in everything her children, JoeDon and Sherri, did. She was the youth bowling coach, den leader for JoeDon's Cub Scout group, and coach of Sherri's summer league softball teams. She never missed a sporting event her kids or grandkids participated in.

She was also an incredible cook, baking breads, cakes, and pies from scratch and making it look effortless. As the family's cake baker, she created detailed, beautifully decorated cakes for every occasion, including several elaborate wedding cakes for special family friends. An artist as well, she painted ceramics at home, finishing her pieces in a kiln she kept in the garage. She was also an expert crocheter, quilter, and seamstress, making hundreds of blankets and quilts for family and friends over the years.

Jo Ella was preceded in death by her husband of 55 years, Bill Harrison, and her parents, Doug and Irene Stockton.

She is survived by her children, JoeDon Harrison and wife Kim of Ada, and Sherri Lance and husband Bill of Sulphur; grandchildren Justin Harrison and wife Alexis, Dakota Harrison and wife Mariah, Blake Harrison and wife Nia, Kaytee Waters, Bryeson Lance and wife Kayla, and Kendall Lance and wife Erica; and 11 great-grandchildren whom she loved watching play. She is also survived by her brother, Ronnie Stockton, along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, and special friends she loved dearly.

Despite health challenges over the last five years, Jo Ella's spirit never wavered. She remained positive, funny, and always ready to go - whether to the casino, a concert, or a gathering with friends and family. Her family is deeply grateful to Galynn Lowe and Stacia Goodnight, whose love and care made that possible, and who became like family in the process.

Services will be 10:00 am Tuesday, October 13 at Central Church Fellowship of Believers in Sulphur, Oklahoma. Brother Thomas J. Thompson will officiate the service. A graveside service will be 2:00 pm Tuesday afternoon at Vamoosa Cemetery, Vamoosa, Oklahoma. Family visitation will be Monday evening, 5:00 - 6:00 pm at Hale's Funeral Home in Sulphur, Oklahoma.

Serving as pallbearers will be grandsons Justin Harrison, Dakota Harrison, Blake Harrison, Bryeson Lance, Kendall Lance and Jaison Duarte.

Services have been "Entrusted to" Hale's Funeral Home, of Sulphur.