Joan Carol Swallow

Joan Carol Swallow was born August 2, 1944, in Clinton, Oklahoma to Woodrow Wilson and Nellie Jo Whiteshirt. She was raised by Henry William Fielder and her grandmother, Monan Bobtail (Morning Killer) Bent. Joan passed away Sunday, May 3, 2026, at her home in Geary, Oklahoma, at the age of 81.  Joan attended Concho Schools. At a young age, she developed a love for her family and enjoyed simple things like embroidering with her sister, Pat. She was known for always taking care of her siblings and those around her.  On May 5, 1960, Joan was united in marriage to James Walter “Jay” Swallow in California. Together they built a life centered on faith, family, and ministry. Jay preceded her in death on March 2, 2015, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Throughout their marriage, they lived in several places including California, Colorado, and Oklahoma, before settling back in Geary. Together they were deeply involved in ministry work for many years, traveling and serving in churches and communities across the United States and beyond.  Joan had a deep and abiding faith. She loved the Lord and dedicated much of her life to serving Him. She was a member of the Cheyenne-Arapaho Tribes and was active in her church community, including Rock of Restoration Church and the Impact Center. Joan loved speaking in the Cheyenne language, singing, sharing stories, and witnessing to others about Jesus. She also took pride in teaching the Cheyenne language and culture to others.  Joan will be remembered for her kindness, her strong faith, her love of music, and her passion for people. She had a special way of connecting with others and was a spiritual mother to many.

Survivors include her children: Dennis Wilson and wife Fran of Geary, Oklahoma; Paul Michael Swallow of Geary, Oklahoma; and Dolly Swallow of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; one sister, Patricia Fielder Jim of Chickasha, Oklahoma; her spiritual children, Ray and Richille Garcia of Lawton, Oklahoma; as well as 34 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, and many other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, James Walter “Jay” Swallow; infant son, James “Baby Jay” Swallow; son, Jonathan Mark Swallow; grandsons, Adrian and Jordan Wilson; great-grandson, Trevor Wilson; and two brothers, Delos Prairie Chief and Clayton Prairie Chief.

An All Night wake service will be held at Rock of Restoration Church in Geary, Oklahoma, on Thursday starting at 7:00 P.M. Funeral services will be held at Rock of Restoration Church on Friday, May 8, 2026, at 11:00 A.M., with burial to follow at Concho Cemetery in Concho, Oklahoma.

Services entrusted to Turner Funeral Home, Geary, OK, Condolences may be sent to the family at turnerfuneralhomes@gmail.com, turnerfh.net, or on Facebook at facebook.com/TurnerFuneralHomes.

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