Jo Ann Berton

September 4, 1941 - August 11, 2020

Jo Ann (Huntington) Berton was born on September 4, 1941, to Ila (Walker) and Ralph Huntington, andpassed away on August 11, 2020, in Tulsa, Oklahoma. She was reared in Oklahoma City and attendedUCO (then Central State College). She married Burdett Berton on August 4, 1967. This union lasted untilBurdett’s death in 2001. During this marriage, they opened their home and hearts to over 20 fosterchildren, permanently rearing 5 of these children, all grown men now. While sponsoring these children,Jo Ann also taught a class on fostering to prospective parents. In addition, she and Burdett were the firstcouple to advocate for creating pathways to allow white families to foster non-white children, a newconcept at the time. When their boys were almost grown, this born nurturer began caring for elderlypatients. This care giving continued until the death of her uncle left her elderly aunt in need of care. JoAnn moved her aunt to Tulsa into her duplex, which they shared, and Jo Ann cared for her until herdeath in 2008, further evidence of her nurturing spirit and servant heart. Jo Ann is survived by her fivesons: Tony Berton, Robert Parker, Nathaniel Berton, Javar Berton, and David Evans (Kat), threegrandsons: Leif and James Evans and Jay’Cion Berton. Also surviving Jo Ann are her sister and brother-in-law, Mary Lynn and Rob Gilbert and their children, Laura Baysinger (Billy), Sally Hoch, Susan Ware,Kathryn Cardwell (Joe), and Mark Gilbert, her sister-in-law Marilyn Berton, and her sons John andRobert Berton; and many beloved grand nieces and nephews. Her impact on all who knew and loved herwill endure.Jo Ann and Burdett were long-time active members of the 10th & Rockford Church of Christ. However,due to COVID-19 there will be a graveside service in her honor at Floral Haven Cemetary on Saturdy,August 15th at 10:30 a.m. with a viewing at Floral Haven Cemetary on Friday, August 14th from 4:00 to7:00 p.m.