Joann Thompson

Former Lawton resident Joann Sue Larkins Thompson, 68, died on April 13, 2016, in Denver, CO.

Joann was born in Lawton, OK on July 27, 1947 to John B. Larkins and Hazel Seibert. She grew up in Lawton, graduating from Lawton High School in 1965. She attended Cameron University while working as a reporter for the Lawton Morning Press. She transitioned to a career in journalism at the Lawton Constitution as one of the first female reporters to have a news beat, a fact of which she was immensely proud.

She married Michael Thompson in 1969, and, while the marriage didn't last, she received her greatest gift as a result - her beloved daughter, Michelle.Joann continued her career in journalism as a news reporter and photographer and later in life worked in administrative professional roles. She always looked back fondly at her years as church secretary at the Western Hills Church of Christ.

In addition to being a working mom who always made time for leading the Girl Scout troop and serving as a classroom volunteer, she was also a maincaregiver for her parents until both of their deaths. She kept a positive outlook on life, even when things were hard, and this was a gift she gave to all who knew her.

Preceding Joann in death are her parents and a twin sister lost before birth. Survivors include her daughter, Michelle Thompson Boyer of Denver, her sister, Mary Stevens, her brothers, John and wife Carol, Jerry and wife Jackie, and James and wife Linda, and many nieces and nephews whom she loved very much. She also leaves long time friends to remember her kind and giving spirit.

Memorial services will be scheduled in Lawton in May. In lieu of flowers, donations in Joann's name to St. Jude's Hospital or the Cancer Centers of Southwest Oklahoma are requested.