Hanna "Lady" John

Hanna “Lady” John, 81, of Tishomingo, Oklahoma, passed away peacefully at her home on April 14, 2025. She was born on June 8, 1943, in Talihina, Oklahoma, to Edward John and Phoebe (Keel) John. Hanna grew up in the Fillmore area, attended Fillmore Elementary, and graduated from Milburn High School. A proud member of the Chickasaw Nation, Hanna devoted her life to preserving and sharing her culture, working as both a homemaker and a Chickasaw language specialist. One of the greatest joys of her life was returning to Oklahoma to work with the Chickasaw Nation’s Language Department, where she served as a translator and teacher. Her deep commitment to the Chickasaw language and traditions made a lasting impact on her community and family. She also expressed her creativity through making Native jewelry — a craft she cherished. Hanna taught her loved ones never to give up, no matter the obstacle, and she lived that truth every day with grace and strength. She was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Edward and Phoebe John; her brothers, John Puller, Alvin John, and Smiley John; and sisters Emily Howard and Modine Tallchief Hanna leaves behind a legacy of love and resilience carried on by her children: son Jason Russom and wife Lily; daughters Phylliss Pilot and husband Dale, and Harriet Perez and Joey; grandchildren Roy Arispe, Christina Whitmon, Mellissa Perez, Salina Tejeda, Tara Figuroa, Michael Perez, Stephanie Perez, and EJ Marshall; and great-grandchildren Hanna, Mia, Josh, Alora, Sophia, Eleanor, Samantha, Theo, Liam, Eden, Jason, Samuel, Delilah, and Monika; and nephew, that was more of a brother, Luther John. A special thank you to Liz Beck, Lily Russom, Joyce Wesley and Bonnie Hernandez these women took care of Hanna for many years and up until the end. Also a thank you to the hospice company for the care and compassion they gave during her final days. Her love, wisdom, and unwavering spirit will be deeply missed and forever remembered. A funeral service to honor Hanna’s life will be held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, at Sandy Creek Church in Fillmore, Oklahoma. Pastor Allen Beck and Randy Wade will officiate. Interment will follow at Sandy Creek Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers will be Martin Bekinnie, David Cripps, Travis John, Brandon John, Sonny John, and EJ Green.

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Hanna "Lady" John

June 8, 1943 - April 14, 2025