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Jeanne Ann (Douglas) Ackerson, 73, of Tonkawa, Oklahoma, passed away peacefully on June 17, 2026, at Hillcrest Manor in Blackwell, Oklahoma, after a lengthy illness.
Jeanne was born on June 2, 1953, in Ponca City, Oklahoma, to Eddie Douglas and Patricia (Doty) Douglas Leeman. She grew up in Tonkawa, where she developed a lifelong love of learning, service, faith, and community. A 1971 graduate of Tonkawa High School, Jeanne was active in numerous school organizations, including Future Homemakers of America, Student Council, Glee Club, Pep Club, and drama. Her classmates recognized her leadership and involvement throughout her school years, electing her to several class offices. She was selected as a Girls State Alternate and was inducted into the State Honor Society, reflecting her academic achievement and commitment to service.
Following high school, Jeanne earned an Associate of Business degree from Northern Oklahoma College in 1973 and later graduated from Oklahoma State University in 1975 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Home Economics: Clothing, Textiles and Merchandising, along with a minor in Business.
Jeanne dedicated much of her professional life to Northern Oklahoma College in Tonkawa, where she served in a variety of roles over the years. She taught Business and Fashion Merchandising before moving into administrative leadership positions, including Assessment Coordinator, Director of Public Information, and Director of Foundation and Alumni Relations. Her work reflected her commitment to education and her passion for helping students and the community. She also enjoyed a successful career in banking and finance, holding management and supervisory positions in mortgage lending and consumer banking.
On December 28, 1996, Jeanne married the love of her life, Virgil Ackerson, of Tonkawa. Together they built a life centered on faith, family, gardening, and community. They were longtime vendors at the Ponca City Farmers Market, where they became well known for their homegrown produce and friendly conversations. From strawberries and tomatoes to sweet potatoes and corn, Jeanne and Virgil enjoyed sharing the fruits of their labor with loyal customers and friends.
Jeanne was a devoted member of First United Methodist Church of Tonkawa and actively participated in church activities for many years. She especially enjoyed helping with the church's annual rummage sale and spending time with fellow members of the congregation. She was also a dedicated member of the Tonkawa Chapter of P.E.O., where she delighted in planning and decorating her table for annual events.
Those who knew Jeanne will remember her love of fashion, home decorating, baking, reading, gardening, her pets and flowers. She took great pride in her flower beds, rose bushes, and gardens, spending countless hours nurturing them. Jeanne was also an avid supporter of the Oklahoma State Cowboys and enjoyed attending football and basketball games in Stillwater with Virgil. The couple also cherished their annual trips to Branson, where they enjoyed live music, shopping, dining, and making memories together.
Jeanne had a special affection for animals and especially loved her beagles, Daisy and Snoopy, as well as the many cats she cared for over the years.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Virgil Ackerson; her father, Eddie Douglas; her mother, Patricia Leeman; her sister, Cindy (Douglas) Zachary; and her stepmother, Gay Lynn Douglas.
Jeanne is survived by her sisters, Pam Callison and husband John, and Kathy White and husband Ron; her stepsons, Sean Ackerson and wife Amy, and Scott Ackerson and partner Alfredo Carranza; her grandsons, Garrett and Brendan Ackerson; and many beloved cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.
Jeanne was a woman of deep faith whose life was marked by loyalty, kindness, and dedication to the people and causes she loved. While her final years were challenged by illness, her family and friends hope she will be remembered as she lived for most of her life—active, engaged, generous, and passionate about her faith, family, friends, and many interests.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to the nurses, staff, and caregivers at Hillcrest Manor and Hospice of North Central Oklahoma for the compassionate care and support they provided, and to Jeanne’s church family and friends at the First United Methodist Church of Tonkawa for their prayers and support.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to First United Methodist Church, 410 E. Grand Avenue, Tonkawa, OK 74653.
A Memorial Service will be held on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, at the Tonkawa First United Methodist Church at 11:30 am.
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