Judy Kinnamon

Judy Dianne Kinnamon, 82, passed away on Friday, August 27, 2021, in Palm Springs, California surrounded by family members. Her bright light and glorious spirit have transitioned to join loving family members and friends that preceded her in passing. Judy was born on May 19, 1939, in Arkansas City, Kansas and was the only child of Carroll Bruce Kemper and Lois Helene (Chadwell). Judy’s journals reflected her life as a child living in a farming community surrounded by a large loving family and her beloved pets. She shared fond memories of staying with her Great Grandparents Maxson and the morning routine of picking up two Jersey cows to be milked and then returning them to pasture. Memories of her Grandparents Ronsick and Kemper where she was free to ride her favorite white Mare named Lady and surrounded by animals like her pet pig and special dog named Mazie. But one of her fondest memories that illustrates Judy’s zeal for life was when she climbed on the roof of the barn to the hay loft and jumped out and tried to fly “because grandpa Ronsick said I could.” “I was wearing a red cape, it scared him a lot, and of course, I didn’t fly.” These experiences in a farming community with a close family developed a beautiful, independent woman that touched so many lives. Judy moved with her mother Lois (Kemper) Braman and stepfather Russell Braman to Oklahoma where she graduated from Shawnee High School and met the love of her life, Bobby L. Kinnamon. They were married in 1957 and made their home in Shawnee. Judy went on to have a rewarding career for thirty-two years at Oklahoma Baptist University. In 2004, she was the sole recipient of the distinguished Meritorious Service Award for faithful service to Oklahoma Baptist University. She also served as a Blue Bird and Camp Fire Leader and enjoyed her time doing outdoor sporting activities and traveling around the country with her bowling league. She is preceded in death by her parents Carroll Bruce Kemper and Lois Helene Braman, daughter; Marty Jo (McGovern) (Simpson) Kinnamon; and half-sister Carol Jeanne (Kemper) Bargar. Judy is survived by her husband Bobby L. Kinnamon of Tahlequah; son Joel L. Kinnamon and his husband Christopher Parman of Palm Springs, California; grandson Craig Simpson and his wife Kayla of Mustang, Oklahoma; half-brother; Michael Bruce Kemper and his wife Romona of Homestead, Florida; half-niece Susan Parker and her husband Ira of Fairfield, California; and many cherished nephews, cousins, and extended family. The family extends their appreciation to all her wonderful friends for making Judy’s life filled with richness, the healthcare providers and caretakers that have assisted us over the past six years for their kindness; specifically, Susan Parker her niece and registered nurse that spent the last year living and caring for Judy in Palm Springs at her son and sons-in-law’s home. To Judy Dianne Kinnamon - thank you for making us better people as a devoted daughter, wife, mother, family member and friend. A celebration of life service is scheduled for 2:00 p.m., Monday, November 29, 2021, at Walker Funeral Service Chapel 201 East 45th Street, Shawnee, Oklahoma with Dr. Marvin Schoenecke officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Walker Funeral Service, please refer to their webpage for any change in arrangements. A private family graveside service will follow at Tecumseh Mission Cemetery. The family asks for any donations go to SPAR – Saving Pets at Risk, P.O. Box 702, Shawnee, OK 74802 or at http://www.sparpets.org/.