Talova Lane Jones

Talova Lane Jones was surrounded by her loving family when she passed peacefully from this world and went to live with her Lord on January 2, 2022. She leaves behind a legacy of love, strength, and courage. She is survived by her daughter Karen Nolan and husband Tom Nolan of San Antonio, Texas; daughter Marta Land of Shawnee, daughter Mary Gaye LeBoeuf and husband Don LeBoeuf of Oklahoma City. Grandchildren Vicki Nolan, Donna Nolan, Jodi Ayers, Megan Lincoln, Jason LeBoeuf, Bree Dosser, and Zachary LeBoeuf. She leaves behind 14 loving great-grandchildren whom she loved deeply. Talova was born the adored only child of Everett and Ruby Lane on December 27, 1925 in Henryetta, Oklahoma, where she lived in the bosom of a large and loving extended family. Talova, her parents, and other family members moved to Muskogee when Talova was 9. Talova attended Muskogee Central High School, where she excelled academically and in various clubs in which she often served as an officer. Talova was active in the performing arts throughout her life. She was an accomplished pianist and organist. She made weekly radio broadcasts of women’s news over the Muskogee radio station. She preformed starring roles in Little Theatre Productions in Ohio and New Jersey. Talova was a woman of elegance and poise. She was also impeccably attired, and her ever-present stylish hats were well known from Hawaii to Washington D.C. Faith and volunteerism were a big part of Talova’s life. She volunteered at the Oklahoma Heart Hospital several days a week for 8 years, until she was 93. She took great joy serving as president of her Sunday school class at Church of the Servant. She served until her death on the church volunteer Care committee. Talova had few equals in the real estate world, where excellence was her primary goal. Her accomplishments and awards were legion as she acted as sales associate, manager, broker-owner, and real estate educator, earning both the CRB (Certified Residential Brokerage Manager) and GRI (Graduate, Realtor Institute) designations. She was the first woman to become Realtor of the Year for Edmond Board of Realtors and the Oklahoma City Metropolitan Association. She was the first woman to serve as President of those organizations. She served as a member and/or chairman of every major State Association Committee and was an instructor for the State Association, local boards and firms. She was named the Oklahoma Association Realtors Outstanding Educator of the Year. The OAR established the Talova Jones Dean’s Award, which is presented to the top honor students completing each of Oklahoma’s Realtor Institute’s three courses. Talova was the director of education/services at OAR from 1990-2001. She was honored as a Life Member of the OAR. In 2001 she was recognized for her Outstanding Service and Dedication to the Real Estate Industry by the Oklahoma City Metropolitan Board of Realtors. She was very active in the National Association of Realtors and received the Omega Tau Rho award as Chairman of The NAR Library Committee and served on many committees and the Governing Board of the Realtors National Marketing Institute. In 2011, Talova was awarded the status of Realtor Emeritus by the NAR, an honor bestowed on less than five realtors per year. Talova authored the real estate training manual, “Real Estate Success Habits -A Five Week Training Guide.” Used in all 50 states, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. She developed courses of study in all areas of residential real estate. She taught extensively in neighboring states and at NAR conferences. A woman of faith, she always reminded her family: “You will never be alone with God beside you, and his arms beneath you, you can always face whatever lies before you.” A graveside service will be held 1 p.m., Monday, January 10, 2022 at Greenhill Cemetery in Muskogee, Oklahoma. In Lieu of flowers, the family request a donation to the Central Oklahoma Humane Society in Talova’s name.

Talova Lane Jones

December 27, 1925 - January 2, 2022