Jo Ann Hurd

Jo Ann Arney Hurd, 74, of Fort Gibson, Oklahoma, passed on October 9, 2025. Born on October 5, 1951, in Gore, Oklahoma, she was the beloved daughter of Henry and Georgia (Smith) Arney. She married Billy Ray Hurd Jr. on July 3, 1970 at St. Paul United Methodist Church in Muskogee, Oklahoma. Jo Ann graduated from Gore High School and continued her education at Connors State College and Northeastern State University, where she earned her master’s degree. Her dedication to education led her to a distinguished career as an elementary teacher, reading specialist and special education professional. Jo Ann touched countless young lives with her passion for teaching and her unwavering belief in every child’s potential. She also served as a foster parent with the Bair Foundation, providing love and guidance to children in need. Jo Ann’s life was rich with interests and pursuits. She loved traveling and exploring new places, enjoyed thrifting and collecting unique treasures, and cherished time spent with her family and friends. Her warmth, kindness, and infectious smile brought joy to all who knew her. A woman of deep faith, Jo Ann was a devoted member of Okay First Baptist Church, where she found community and spiritual fulfillment. Jo Ann’s legacy is one of compassion, service, and love. She will be dearly missed by her family, friends, former students, and all whose lives she touched. May her memory be a blessing and her spirit live on in the hearts of those who loved her. Jo Ann was preceded in death by her parents, Henry and Georgia Arney; siblings, Mary Lou Brannon, Johnny Arney, Jimmy Arney, Norma Fisher, Charles Arney, Michael Arney; aunt, DeAnna Tullis; and uncle, Jimmy Tullis. She is survived by her husband Bill Hurd of the home; son, Shane Hurd of Fairbanks, AK; daughters, Breonna, Janie and Lanie Hurd of Fort Gibson, OK; grandsons, Alex and Christopher Hurd of Fairbanks, AK; siblings, Benny and Ruth Arney of Knob Noster, MO, Robert Arney of Webbers Falles, OK, Rhonda and Don Siler of Fort Gibson, OK, Donna Arney of Muskogee, OK, Steve and Claudene Arney of Gore, OK; and many nieces, nephews, ex-students and many friends. In honor of Jo Ann and her love of red roses, her family would love to see her service decorated with beautiful flowers to cherish her memory. A celebration of Jo Ann’s life will be 1 PM, Friday, October 17, 2025 at Okay First Baptist Church with Rev. Donnie Echols officiating. Interment will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery with Frank Brannon, Seth Arney, Bryan Tramel, Aron Buzzell, Agustin Torres and Farley Fisher serving as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers will be Gabriel Torres, Alex Hurd and Christopher Hurd.

Jo Ann Hurd

October 5, 1951 - October 9, 2025