Joann "Jody" Casteel Kester of Stilwell, Oklahoma, was born August 31, 1931 to John Rufus Casteel and Etta Fern (Smith) Casteel. She departed this life to be with her Lord on March 18, 2011 at the age of 79 years, 6 months and 18 days.

She was married to Clarence Josiah Kester on November 18, 1947 and they made their first home in the Bell Community where their two sons were born. In 1957, they moved to the Pilgrim Rest Community where their daughter was born and lived there until 1972. Their final home was on the hill just west of Stilwell on Hwy 100.

Jody received her Bachelor's of Science degree from NSU in 1964 and her Master's in 1970. Her 30 year teaching career began at the Chalk Bluff Schoolhouse where she had attended as a child and was the last teacher before consolidation into the Stilwell public school system. She was awarded Stilwell Teacher of the Year in 1982. The last years of teaching were at Fellowship Baptist Academy working with the students in a specialized reading program.

In the fall of 1944, Joann came to know Jesus Christ as her personal Savior and was a devoted Sunday School teacher for 50 years, serving in many areas of her church life. She was an active and faithful member of the Fellowship Baptist Church. Joann spent her life serving her family, her community and her Lord. She will be greatly missed.

She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Etta Casteel. Joann is survived by her husband, Clarence, of the home; three children, Roger Kester and wife Carol of Stilwell; Rick Kester and wife Cynthia of Arkoma, Oklahoma; Ramona Brewer and husband John of Brazoria, Texas; two brothers, Ivan Casteel and wife Mary of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; Ron Casteel and wife Lucinda of Bixby, Oklahoma; three sisters, Elaine Raleigh of Owasso, Oklahoma; Johnnie Ruth Hillis and husband John of Grove, Oklahoma; and, Linda Sue Hummingbird of Stilwell; ten grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren. Also, many nephews, nieces, friends and other relatives survive her.

Funeral services will be held 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, March 22, 2011, at Fellowship Baptist Church with Roger Kester, Pastor Rick Kester, Pastor Jim Sanders and Pastor John Brewer officiating. Interment will follow at Stilwell City Cemetery under the direction of Hart Funeral Home.