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Joan Kittrell “JoKitt” Brothers Vinson died at home surrounded by her family on November 10, 2024 at the age of 86.

Her celebration of life will be Thursday, November 14, 2024 at Owen’s & Brumley Chapel with Dr. Isaac Butterworth officiating. The family encourages all those attending the service to wear colorful attire.

JoKitt was born on March 10, 1938 to the late Reginald Edward and Lucy Kittrell Brothers. She is also preceded in death by her brothers Reginald Edward Brothers, Jr. and Thomas Skinner Brothers.

She graduated from Suffolk High School in Suffolk, VA then St. Mary’s School in Raleigh, NC. She attended the College of William & Mary in Williamsburg, VA. While there, she was set up on a blind date where she met Robert Emerson “Bobby” Vinson while he was attending VMI. They later married in 1959. She graduated from the New York School of Interior Design in New York City.

JoKitt was a Wichita Falls Country Club’s tennis Singles Club Champion for several years. Her style and skill on the court was unparalleled. She also earned a black belt in Taekwondo when she was in her 60’s. She enjoyed being a first mate when Bobby captained their boat “JoKitt” from Maine down the intracoastal waterway to Florida then over to the Caribbean Islands several times with family and friends. She was a member of the Junior League of Wichita Falls, The Colony Club, the Clavier Club and the Columbus Four Investment Group.

JoKitt is survived by her husband Bobby. They were married for almost 65 years. She is also survived by their family:

Robert Emerson “Rob” Vinson, Jr. (Mary) and his three children: Victoria Vinson Bernal (Chris) and great-granddaughter Athena May Bernal; Sterling Emerson Vinson; and Denali Alexa Vinson; Loring Brothers Vinson (John Davison) and her daughter Katherine Vinson “Katie” Bauer (Walker); Edward Kittrell “Kit” Vinson (Alicia) and his four children: Edward Kittrell Vinson; Charles Dutton Vinson; Madeline Ann “Maddie” Swinney (Garrett) and great-grandson Leif; Mateo Esteban Vinson; and step-daughter Natalia Suarez; Lucy Helen “Luelen” Vinson Hood (Mark) and their four daughters: Margaret Metcalf “Garet” Hood; Ashby Vinson Hood; Claire Tucker Hood and Lucy Bridwell Hood.

She is also survived by her extended family: sister-in-law Betsy Brothers (Suffolk, VA); niece Elizabeth Brothers and her daughter Liza Bart Carroll (Andrew); brother-in-law Bob Miller (Ft. Smith, AR); nephew Mike Miller (Kathy) and their children Clare Miller, Neil Miller (Tiff) and Rebekah Miller; niece Vicki Jeffus, and her children McKenna Lalani (Shea) and Jordan Cain (Wheeler).

A very sincere and heartfelt thank you to Carla Schmehl, owner of Rx Strength and honorary member of the family. Her personal training, medical instruction and loving friendship helped JoKitt stay healthy and in shape for the last 20+ years.

Our gratitude also goes to the several caregivers who came to stay with JoKitt to help her remain at home as long as possible: Irma Lewis, Mirna “Honey” Jensen, Jill Wilson, Geneva Guerra, Sarah Hare.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Hospice of Wichita Falls, 4909 Johnson Rd. Wichita Falls, TX 76310