Joseph Raleigh Ayo

On August 16, 2019, Joseph Raleigh Ayo departed this earthly life peacefully, surrounded by his family.



Less than an hour after he passed, a nurse who had only met Joe once during his two-month battle with pancreatic cancer, sat down and asked “did he always have that sense of humor?” No one who knew Joe – whether as Joseph, JoJo, Joseppe “So Peppy,” Dad or Papo – will be surprised by this question. Apart from his steadfast faith and love of Christ (when he got the diagnosis of stage 4 pancreatic cancer he said, “Well, this doesn’t change anything. God is still on the throne!”), Joe’s greatest joy was the experience of the people he met, knew and loved, whether his family, his many friends, or the drive-thru worker at his favorite BBQ restaurant. To say that Joe never met a stranger is no exaggeration, and even in the darkest hour his contagious humor was apparent. And so many more will remember Joe for his optimism, zest for life, constant hugs and a smile so big his eyes got lost – as a kind and down-to-earth man who could relate to anybody and judged nobody. Those of us who share Joe’s faith are confident – we will see his smiling face again!



Born July 7, 1943 in Beaumont, Texas to Joseph Raleigh and Mary Faye; Joe was the first of their five children. He grew up in Texas and graduated from University of Texas with a degree in History. He married Jean in 1973 and gave his life to Christ in the mid-1980s. He and his family joined Tulsa Bible Church in 1989 when they re-located to Tulsa. Joe worked at E and I Sales selling industrial motors for 26 years(1993-2019). Joe gave his time to his family, church, work, volunteering at John 3:16, sharing the gospel through the Good News Club, and, of course, his donut ministry. He enjoyed fishing, working in his garden (and eating and sharing the fruits and vegetables of his labor), cooking and the fellowship of friends and family on the porch.



Joe is survived and will be remembered by his wife Jean, three adult children- Brad, Jess, Jake- and nine grandchildren- Harper, Camden, Brody, Axel, Noble, Quincy, Cruz, Raleigh and Rowan.



His memorial service will be held at Tulsa Bible Church on August 31st at 5pm, 5838 S. Sheridan, Tulsa OK 74145.



In lieu of flowers, please send contributions to John 3:16 at John316mission.org or 918-587-1186.

Meal donations may also be made to Porta Caeli Hospice home in lieu of meal donations for the family, Portacaeli.org or 918-935-2600.