Joan LaRue “Girlie Jefferson” Stratton, 83, of Ardmore, Okla., passed away Sunday, January 31, 2010, at the Mercy Memorial Hospital in Ardmore.
She was born on October 2, 1926, in Kingston, to the late Alec Jefferson and Joanna Kaney Jefferson. Joan was raised in Kingston. She graduated from the Kingston High School in 1946 where she was voted the prettiest girl in her class. Joan also attended the Murray State College and worked at the Corner Drug Store. She married Thurman Donald Stratton. He preceded her in death on March 31, 1975. She moved to Chickasha, Duncan, Durant, Healdton and Ardmore while working for Southwestern Bell as a switchboard operator. She also worked for two years at the Plainview public school and she owned and operated the Collonade Restaurant for seven years. Joan was a member of the Church of Christ, Kingston Alumni Association and the Kingston Cemetery Association. She enjoyed reading, loved sports, especially basketball. Joan loved her grandson.
She is survived by her daughter, Victoria Lynn Patrick, Ardmore, Okla.; son, Mark Alan Stratton, Kingston, Okla.; grandson, Gabrial Scott Patrick, Fla.
Joan was preceded in death by parents; husband; two brothers, Orlando (Hunsey) and Calvin Jefferson, one sister, Marguerite Thomas; and brother-in-law, William Paul Thomas.
Memorial services will be 2 p.m. Wednesday, February 3, 2010, at the Watts Memorial Chapel, Madill, Okla. Lyndol Adams will officiate. Music arranged by Barry Williams. Services will be under the direction of Watts Funeral Home, Madill, Okla.
Casket bearers will be Mark Stratton, Gabriel Scott Patrick, Chris Stratton, Benny Eugene Patrick, Irwin Armstrong, and Lawrence Wheeler.
Visitation will be today from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. at Watts Funeral Home, Madill, Okla.
Condolences may be sent to wattsfuneralhome.com.
