Sallye Jolene “Jo” Bennett passed away August 2, 2026, in Norman, Oklahoma at the age of 71 years 7 months 15 days. A private Family Graveside service will be held at Warren Cemetery in Norman, Oklahoma, entrusted to the care of Wadley’s Funeral Service.
Jo was born December 18, 1954, in Holdenville, Oklahoma, to John T. and Verlene (Mullins) Roberts. She was raised in Holdenville, graduating in 1972.
Jo went on to attend the University of Oklahoma and East Central University, earning a Master’s degree in Psychology and dedicating her career to helping others. Jo retired from the Oklahoma Department of Human Services and was the owner of Life Span Counseling.
Following the untimely death of her twin sister, Jeanne, she joined her parents in co-owning Havenbrook Funeral Home and Southhaven Crematory. She also served as President of the Norman Rotary Club, reflecting her longstanding commitment to her community.
Jo lived a life filled with curiosity, adventure, and learning. She was an accomplished sailor who earned her Captain’s credentials and enjoyed riding horses, shooting, hunting, and exploring the outdoors.
Jo loved to travel and was especially drawn to history, culture, architecture, music, art, and literature. Her travels with friends took her to many places, including time spent with a cherished companion from Switzerland. Along the way, she collected stories and experiences—including encounters with such memorable figures as Liberace—that reflected her wide-ranging interests and love of life.
Above all, Jo loved her family and friends. She treasured holidays, travels, conversations, and the time spent together. She will be remembered for her intelligence, curiosity, independence, generosity, and deep commitment to the people and community she loved.
Jo was preceded in death by her father, John Roberts; her twin sister, Jeanne Roberts Gatewood; her maternal grandparents, Vernon and Beatrice Mullins; her paternal grandparents, Couch and Sallye Roberts; and numerous aunts and uncles.
Survivors include her mother, Verlene Roberts; her son, Steven Bennett; her sister, Robbin Roberts and husband, Gregory Henderson; her brother, John Len Roberts and wife, Kathy; her nieces and nephews, Jonathan Roberts and wife, Kenya, Rachel Easton and husband, Curtis, Rebekah Staggs and husband, Tony, Benjamin Roberts and wife, Birgit, Nathanael Roberts and wife, Emily, Jorgeann Rojas and Andrew Salas; and numerous great-nieces and nephews and other family and friends.