Jewell Martin Cordes' Obituary
Mrs. Jewell Cordes, born on December 22, 1937, passed away peacefully on March 12, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of love and resilience. She is survived by her devoted children, Carrie Howley, Charles Byron Cordes and his wife Natalie, and Catherine Woods and her husband Gregory. Jewell cherished her grandchildren, Caitlin Woods, Madeline Woods, and Hope Cordes, as well as her bonus grandson, Adam Perry, his wife Jenny, and their child Taylor Perry. She will be deeply missed by a host of family and friends.
A proud graduate of Woodward High School in Cincinnati, Ohio in 1955, Jewell furthered her education by studying English at the University of Ohio. She began her career working at Procter & Gamble, where she met her future husband, Charles H. Cordes, marrying him on September 3, 1960. In 1972 they moved their family to Tulsa, Oklahoma where they were very active in the Jaycees. After becoming an enrolled tax agent with H&R Block, Jewell started her own successful business, Cordes Tax Service, in the 1980's. She operated this business and touched the lives of countless clients until she retired in 2015.
Jewell had a profound love for reading especially mysteries. Jewell fondly talked about her favorite book, "To Kill A Mockingbird," which helped to shape her desire for social justice. Jewell loved to play games, especially Skipbo and Scrabble. She loved to complete the daily crossword puzzle while drinking her beloved coffee and looked forward to Jeopardy every afternoon with a glass of wine. She enjoyed watching almost every sport on TV, especially professional baseball in the spring and college football in the fall.
She is fondly remembered by anyone who knew her for her witty sense of humor, earning her the title of "Funniest girl" in her graduating class. Jewell was a trailblazer for women in the workforce, instilling in her children values of resilience, confidence, and the importance of helping others. She was deeply involved in her community, especially volunteering for Restore Hope, Meals on Wheels, and serving her church. She was a member of the Daughters of the King, which emphasized prayer and performing good acts -- which she did daily.
Jewell was a supportive mother, friend, and a fiercely patriotic woman. She is now reunited with her beloved husband, Charles H. Cordes, and her son-in-law, John Howley. Her spirit will live on in the hearts of those she touched, and her legacy of love and determination will continue to inspire all who knew her.
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