August 9, 1958 ~ April 20, 2026 Joan Nell Sturman, 67, of New Boston, Texas, went to be with her Lord and Savior on April 20, 2026, in Texarkana, Texas. She was born on August 9, 1958, in Hughes Springs, Texas, to John Sturman and Betty Jo Oglesby.
JoNell was a devoted caregiver who spent her life looking after others with kindness and compassion. She was of the Church of Christ faith and found joy in fellowship and service. She loved spending time at the American Legion and the VFW, where she built many lasting friendships. JoNell had a deep appreciation for the simple pleasures in life—fishing, bird watching, and especially challenging her mind as a crossword puzzle and trivia enthusiast. She was known by many as a true trivia guru. She was a great cook and truly enjoyed spending time in the kitchen cooking.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her three sisters, Linda York, Carolyn Lemmons, and Sandra Copeland; one brother, Jimmy Sturman; one nephew, Buford “Tripper” Columbus York III; one niece, Cynthia Langford; one great-nephew, M. Metcalf Jr.; and one great-niece, Katie Jo Vaughn.
She is survived by her two children, Kristie Babb and her husband, Paul, of Jenks, Oklahoma, and Adam David Hyatt III and his wife, Kyla, of Colorado; one sister, Becky Nowlin of New Boston, Texas; and one cousin, Paul Sturman. She also leaves behind seven grandchildren, Dalton Hefflin, Kolton Hefflin, Lillee Hyatt, Ali Terrell and her husband, Albert, Ashlynn Halverson and her husband, Gary, Colin Babb and his wife, Bee, and Isaac Martin; as well as three great-grandchildren, Lorelei Terrell, Everett Terrell, and Jaclynn Halverson; six nieces and nephews, Mandy Smith, Amy Vaughn, Joany Lewis, BJ Lewis, CaSandra Copeland and Joe Copeland III and several great nieces and nephews.
Memorial services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, May 8, 2026, at Bates Family Funeral Home in DeKalb, Texas.
Inurnment will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at Smyrna Cemetery in Clark County, Arkansas.
JoNell will be remembered for her caring heart, her quick wit, and the joy she brought to those around her.
Online registration is available at www. batesfamilyfuneralhome.com.
