Centenarian Hazel Josephine Briant, who goes by Jo, passed away on March 13th, at the young age of 102. Briant, well-known in certain circles for her award-winning quilting skills, continued the practice well into her later years, working often at the loom in her living room where she lived with her grown daughter.
Jo loved chicken fried steak, Braum’s hamburgers, Dr. Pepper, and Spring weather. At her 100th birthday party, she told Sapulpa Times that her favorite song was “Coal Miner’s Daughter” by Loretta Lynn.
When Sapulpa Times interviewed her on her 101st birthday, she talked about growing up in Ray County, Missouri, where she sold eggs to buy their first washing machine.
Her father drove a “Model-A” car, and her family had to use a party-line telephone to make a phone call—her daughter told us “our phone number was two shorts and a long.”
Her first sewing machine was hand-cranked, and she never had a television until she was in her 30s.
In 2019, she became a member of the elite group of Oklahoma Centenarians. She was honored at a party by Senator James Leewright, who presented her with a special commendation.
Visitation will be Thursday, March 17th from 5 PM to 7 PM at Smith Funeral Home. Services will be held Friday, March 18th at 1 PM in the Chapel at Smith Funeral Home.
Briant’s best advice to all who remain is timeless: “Never give up—no matter what challenges you meet. Keep putting one foot in front of the other and keep learning.”
