Joanne C. Whitney

Joanne Cameron Whitney, age 81, of Grove, OK, formerly of Tulsa, OK, passed away peacefully with her family at her bedside on May 31, 2024. Joanne was born on October 25, 1942, in Jackson, MS, the daughter of Daniel Wayne and Bonnie Lee (Forrest) Cameron. She graduated from Tulsa Edison High School in 1960 and attended the University of Tulsa, where she studied Journalism. On June 20, 1963, Joanne married the love of her life, Bernard "Ben" Whitney, in Tulsa, OK, at Christ the King Church. The couple has resided in Grove, OK, (Grand Lake) since 1990, and owned and operated Hide and Seek USA since 1978 as a nationwide licensed private investigator and litigation support firm. Joanne was an avid painter and owned Whitney Art Gallery in downtown Grove, OK. A partner and consultant for various family businesses, Joanne contributed to Credit Control Systems, Inc; One Stop Realty; and Mortgage Makers Lending Corp. Throughout her life, Joanne enjoyed the finer things in life, including horses, art, traveling, birding, politics, listening to classical music, and boating. She was known for her adventurous spirit, love of writing, and knack for hosting extravagant parties. Joanne was also a skilled chef, often delighting her friends with gourmet meals at her five-star dinners. She was a talented equestrian Show Rider - American Champion and commissioned horse painter artist. But undeniably, her most cherished activity was spending time together with her large family. Those who knew Joanne remember her as a beautiful, spontaneous, fun-loving, and whimsical person who brought joy and laughter wherever she went. She will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her. Joanne is preceded in death by her parents, Daniel "Dan" and Bonnie Cameron and beloved canine companions. Left to cherish her memory is her adoring husband of 61 years, Ben Whitney, of Grove, OK; children, Merritt Graham and husband, Kenny, of Holmen, WI, Cameron Whitney and wife, Traci, of Austin, TX, Adrienne Kallweit and husband, David, of Bartlesville, OK, and Aaron Whitney and wife, Leslie, of Austin, TX; brother, Forrest Cameron and wife, Sharon; and sister, Krista "Kippy" Gardner and husband, Raymond. Joanne was blessed with 11 grandchildren: Whitney and Wilson Graham; Canaan, Ethan, Bella, Josh, Melody, Tyler, and Ben Kallweit; and Max and Ripley Whitney. A graveside service will be at Olympus North Cemetery in Grove, OK, at 3:00 p.m., followed by a visitation for friends and family from 3:30 p.m.–5:00 p.m. at Nichols-Stephens Funeral Service. Mass will be held at St. Elizabeth Catholic Church at 5:30 p.m. A celebration gathering for family and close friends will be held at the Whitney lake home. Arrangements entrusted to Nichols-Stephens Funeral Service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Whitney Art Education Scholarship @ https://checkout.square.site/merchant/ACWFYK00NGGRY/checkout/4BEPDT5MHBSKNDOX245YHNVV?t=1717450647.565565.

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Joanne C. Whitney

October 25, 1942 - May 31, 2024