Virginia Ann Harwood, known in family and friend circles as Mom, Granny, and Ann, was promoted to Heaven on July 14, 2022, Thursday. She was born to the late David A. and Nora D. (Simpson) Stamps on April 15, 1943, in Sapulpa.
Preceded in death by husband Bob D. Harwood and brother Paul Stamps, her life of 79 years included 50+ devoted in marriage and lasting and fulfilling memories for their children, Darrin Jerry and Roger Dee, sons, and Bobbi Ella-Ann (Case) Harwood, daughter.
She attended Sapulpa Public Schools throughout her early childhood, elementary and secondary years. After high school Ann continued helping her mom and dad in the home until joining hands in marriage to Bob D. Harwood, February 1962, building their home in Sapulpa.
Ann was known to all as being a strong and steadfast woman of her love for Christ. She was always faithful in her attendance in church and in her relationship with learning and growing in the grace and knowledge of God the Father and His son Jesus Christ. Included in her time spent with her church family, were retreats and ladies’ trips she never missed.
She became a member of Ridgeway Baptist Church, now Foundation Church, at 13 days old (April 28, 1943), and remains one of the longest-standing, dedicated members. Ann spent her life devoted to her husband, children, and church family.
When she wasn’t busy soaking up the Word of God and singing His praises, you could find her at Ridgeway helping with the clothes closet and food pantry or in the children’s department. If she wasn’t there, she was often found in the kitchen helping with meal preparations for church functions and gatherings. She was one of the first with her apron on and a smile on her face, ready to greet each member as they traveled through the line. When she wasn’t helping feed her church family, she was busy helping to package meals for delivery to the less fortunate.
Ann loved Gospel Music! Her husband Bob was raised Pentecostal, so she said she would often visit his church because she “loved that down-home, good ‘ole gospel music.” She was typically the first on her feet, ready to sing praises to her Savior, and always sang with full vocals and an even fuller heart! She loved singing along to the songs played in the Southern Gospel Worship Concert Series at the Assembly in Broken Arrow, where she enjoyed some of her favorite gospel singers, such as The Missourians and The Crabb Family.
While she kept busy with her church family, she spent even more time on her personal family. She made certain the kids were in church every time the doors were opened, even if they were out of town away from their home church. She was the chauffeur for all of her children’s functions and, at times, even to community children. From Club events to sports events to school events, Ann was not going to let anything come in the way of her attendance to watch her children succeed in any endeavor they attempted.
She always had the attitude with them that they could do anything they set their mind to and that they should let nothing stop them from success, but to always give thanks to God for any gift and/or ability He gave them.
Over the years, she accompanied her husband and family on trips to the Illinois River and Ft Gibson Lake, where they would fish, float, swim and cook over an open fire. One of the meals was Ann’s award-winning fried eggs in bacon grease with her deep-fried and buttered biscuits.
Bob and Ann loved the outdoors and are remembered for their dedication to building lasting life- long memories, which showed their children and grandchildren the value and importance of spending quality time with those you love.
Included with trips to the river and lake, she valued the trips to Branson, Missouri, where she would enjoy the gospel shows. Two of her favorites are the Baldknobbers and the Presleys.
She also loved the Dixie Stampede and enjoyed being under the trees of Silver Dollar City. Her last trip was July 2021.
Her family acknowledges her as the world’s greatest chef, and she never left any of her specialty foods off of the menu at family gatherings – Her family says, “you haven’t tasted great food until you’ve had Moms/Granny’s famous chicken and dumplings, baked bean casserole, Macaroni, and cheese or her banana ice cream,” to name a few. While cooking over a hot stove, she would often delegate family members to check this or that to ensure all preparations were present, so nothing was left undone. Any opportunity to cook made Ann happy!
Whoever came in contact with Ann will tell you what a dedicated and generous soul she was. She would give any of her earthly belongings away until she had nothing if someone needed something. She was truly unselfish even up to her Heavenly promotion and is loved by all. She will be missed, but we know we will see her again soon!
Ann is survived by three children Darrin Jerry Harwood (wife Lynetta with daughters Hunter and Hailee), Roger Dee Harwood (wife Dara with daughter Anna, son Jack), Katie and Sage, and Bobbi Ella-Ann (Case) Harwood (sons Addison and Slater), all of Sapulpa totaling seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren in addition to numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Our prayer as a family – the stronghold began by Bob and Ann Harwood, is to complete the legacy they worked so hard to accomplish; to be honorable family members and good parents, develop strong marriages and friendships, all built on the only true foundation, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ; that anyone may have the free gift of eternal life from God the Father through faith alone in Christ alone.
Visitation will be 4-8p, July 18, Monday, at Smith Funeral Chapel, Sapulpa. Funeral services will be held 10a, July 19, Tuesday, at Foundation Church, Sapulpa. Officiating are Pastor Scott Hamilton and R.K. Lyon. Bearers will be Darrin Harwood, Roger Harwood, Addison Lay, Slater Case, Jack Harwood, and Johnny Stamps. Honorary bearers, Carl Towe, Chad Towe, Timmy Crow, Jerry Harwood, and Eastman Holloway.
Due to the significant temperatures, there will not be any interment. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Smith Funeral Home, Sapulpa.
