Joann Mildred (Campbell) McNulty, 80, died peacefully on November 26, 2018. She was proceeded in death by her parents and her daughter Karen Jo McNulty. Survivors include her sons Mark Edward McNulty and Aaron Daniel McNulty and his wife Andrea.
She was born July 13, 1938, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, to Carl J. Campbell and Mildred Loraine (Burris) Campbell. When Joann was 11 years old, the family moved to Gardena, California, where she graduated from high school. Joann enjoyed her high school years, and played in the band – she was a great clarinet player.
After high school, Joann worked for the telephone company. A few years later, she married Kenneth Edward McNulty, and they made their home in southern California. In 1972, Joann and family moved to Sapulpa, Oklahoma, where she worked for McMasters Insurance Company. She later joined the firm of Bailey, Martin and Fay Insurance Company, where she served as a claims manager for 20 years. Joann had an entrepreneurial spirit, and started her own company – Help Services Unlimited, serving persons with disabilities and major medical issues in their activities of daily living.
One of her greatest pleasures was her involvement with Vanguard Ministries in Sapulpa. She volunteered there as an administrative assistant for about 10 years, helping to organize activities, manage services and print and write literature for the church. Her special interest was the youth group, with some saying “she was like a second Mom to me”. This church community was like a second family to her – loving, supportive and caring.
Joann was an accomplished knitter and a fantastic artist, with volumes of sketch books that her family treasures. Nature scenes were her favorite subject for painting. Reading was also one of her passions. Everything she cooked was delicious, and she taught her children to cook as well. She loved the holidays, and made every Christmas happy and memorable.
She had a great love for God, and was an excellent mother – loving and supportive. Her wonderful sense of humor helped her family learn how to laugh at themselves. Joann touched the lives of those around her. She always had a kind word for those she met, and tried to bring out the best in everyone. Joann was no stranger to adversity, experiencing several tragedies and hardships throughout her life; however, she led by example, encouraging her children to be the best they could be.
Joann experienced great care and support from the doctors, nurses, and staff at the Rolling Hills Care Center in Catoosa, Oklahoma. The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude for the excellent treatment shown to Joann.
