Joyce Oatman Obituary

Mrs. Oatman, my life changed for the better because you came to Willima H. Brown school and gave an incredible speech about the Crane Academically Able Program (CAAP). You had the presence of mind to act on the vision to enable many students to realize they were intelligent beyond their own beliefs. The CAAP, to this day, still impacts how I think and why I am in the position I am in today, working with young adults as a Licensed Clinician. I can only imagine what my alternative life would be like. If not for being challenged in Math Counts, Principal Scholars, Junior Engineering Technical Society (JETS), I would have faltered in my career aspirations in the military, law enforcement, education, and clinician. I am sure I would not be pursing a doctorate at this point in my life.

Thank you Mrs. Joyce Oatman for taking the time to do something wonderful for young man like me. Your efforts and passion for seeing me better truly paid off.

Frederick L. Jefferson Class of 1988, Crane Cougar

Mrs. Oatman, I was a Crane Acedemically Able Program (CAAP) Student, 1983-1987. I'm both happy and deeply saddened I finally get the chance to say thank you, with all my heart and soul, for putting me on the right path to my educational journey.

Because of your nurturing and guidance I was able to get my bachelor's degree in engineering. And now i will receive my masters degree in business three weeks from now.

Im blessed I get this Chance to say you have always and forever will be a hero to me for all the kids you saved from the streets, like me, and gave us a chance to reach for our dreams.

You will be in my prayers until the day I see you again to thank you in person.

Mrs. Oatman, you probably don't remember me. I was a Crane Acedemically Able Program (CAAP) Student, 1983-1987. Im so happy I finally get the chance to say thank you, with all my heart and soul, for putting me on the right path on my educational journey.

Because of your help I was able to get my bachelor's degree in engineering. And now i will receive my masters degree in business three weeks from now.

I'm blessed I get this chance to say that you have always and forever will be a hero to me for all the kids you saved from the streets, like me, and gave us a chance to reach for our dreams.

I wish I could've seen you again to thank you in person.

I remember when she would have you out there battling us on the lanes 1.00 or 2:00 in the morning moms had your back blessed be oats

A wonderful woman, with a great sense of humor! A love for life and helping others! You touched so many and will be dearly missed! Until we meet again rest in heavenly peace!!

She was the best. I was one of her CAAP students and she looked after us if we were her own. I Have so many fun memories of her. My condolence to her family.

Oh No! Ms.Oatman you were truly a woman of vision. A truly great teacher and mentor.

Mrs. Oatman was loved by many and will be greatly missed.
Mark Wilhoite

Best Chemistry Teacher in the World, Condolences from the Lowe Family.

JO you will be missed by many and especially me.

In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.

My condolences to the family. Mrs. Oatman was a good teacher that gave students moral valves to live by while she taught. She was my chemistry teacher from 1972-1973 at Richard T. Crane High School and Mrs. Oatman was a true Crane Cougar.

Sorry this is late, I just heard about the passing of Mrs. Oatman. To the family I leave you guys with my deepest condolences. Mrs. Oatman was a trooper and expected only the best out of her students. She deeply impacted my life. She will be truly missed. Class of 1987

Mrs. Oatman was loved by many and will be greatly missed.

Billy O, my prayers are with you and your family. Please know that there is no LOVE like a mother's Love! On behalf of King Bowl Youth League and my family we extend our deepest sympathy.
Ms. Eva Greene Calumet City, IL

Billy O, my prayers are with you and your family. Please know that there is no LOVE like a mother's Love! On behalf of King Bowl Youth League and my family we extend our deepest sympathy.
Ms. Eva Greene Calumet City, IL

I regret that I am unable to extend my deepest sympathy in person to you on the loss of your wife and mother. Mrs. Oatman influenced the lives of thousands of studnets and hundred of teachers. We allhave fond memories of her warmth, humor and smiles. Few are alive now who can recall her heroic efforsts during the Chicago Riots; it started at Crane with the death of Dr. King. Joyce put herself at risk to save white teachers from being attacked. She locked them in the science vault. She barricaded her classroom door so the intruders goucld not come in. When there an opportunity she escorted them safely to cars where upon they were taken out of the area. Joyce worked hard to break the chains of hatred; She espoused Eldridge Cleaver who said if your not part of the soultion you are part of the problem. Although Joyce has put aside her eartly shoes she now walks softly in our thoughts and in our hearts. We need only listen in the quiet and we can still hear her.
Patricia Kubistal
Assistant Principal
Crane H. S. 67 -69

To Billy and the Oatman family. My prayers are with you. Mrs. Oatman was a great mentor to me and my sister. And we will say that she will truly be missed.

Cassandra Robinson
CAAP - Student Class of 1983

My thoughts and prayers are with you Billy! I loved your mom and she will
be missed. God Bless and keep you! (Pepsi)

Hello Billy, My prayers are with you and your family. Much Love Cassandra Robinson

Hey Billy O, very sorry for the lost of your mother. Kat and I will keep your family in our prayers.
Terrence / Kathleen Blevins

Bill and Family:

May God's comforting Spirit turn your sadness into acceptance and understanding. Peace be with you!

Anita Cooper and Family

My condolence to Billy and your family. Ms Oatman was an extraordinary teacher. She will be missed. Thank you Billy for sharing your mother with all the Students at Crane High School.

Billy, you may not remember me but I went to Crane, was a cheerleader and knew you and your mom well. My condolences to you and your family and wishing you love and blessings.

Misty Lenon

Billy and family. My deepest condolences on the loss of Joyce. She was a terrific and wonderful person. Someone in our bowling community everyone needed to know. She lived a good life. May God be with you.

MY TRIBUTE TO JOYCE OATMAN

We have lost a great one,
your guidance lasted years.
1985-1989 Crane CAAP students,
are fighting back the tears.

You motivated & inspired,
taught us to be excellent readers.
But the most important lesson,
you pushed us to be Leaders!

You brought out our strengths,
we were faced with adversity.
Growing up in the ghetto,
was a struggle only you could see.

You never let us fall or stumble,
you pushed us always to be more.
You were filled with love & humor,
a cheerfulness we all adored.

Holding back the tears,
I speak for more than just me.
I can still hear you saying .....
"You CAAP's - be all you can be".

As I bow my head in prayer,
my arms stretch to heaven above.
Continue to guide us Joyce,
inspire, motivate & bless us with your love.

We will love and miss you dearly Mrs. Oatman. Rest Peacefully.......

Billy and Family, I am so very sorry for your loss, your mom was a wonderful person and I enjoyed her always cheering for you. She touched many people with her smile and warmth, she will be missed. I know she will always have a special place in your heart, knowing how much you were loved.

MAY YOU FOREVER R.I.P. ......

We have lost a great one,
your guidance lasted years.
1985-1989 CAAP students,
are fighting back the tears.

We will love and miss you dearly Mrs. O

Mrs. Oatman you lived a long life of special mightyness from God. May the God of comfort be with you. Psalms 90:10

Thank you Mrs. Oatman you were a wonderful teacher and a beautiful person who really cared about people in general, the love and support you put out to the people is unmatched, you will be truly missed. My condolences to the Oatman family.

J.O. (Mrs. Oatman), thank you for everything. Not just for myself but, for all of the thousands of lives you touched over the years. It takes a really special person to dedicate a lifetime to the betterment of others. Mrs. Oatman, you were one of the chosen few... Imagine how special you were for God to put you in a position of influence to shape the minds of thousands of young people.

We really never knew we had to compete with "other" folks in the world until you opened our eyes. You exposed us to a world that was foreign, at the same, you helped us understand how to adapt, coexist and thrive in this same world. We will be forever indebted to you for loving us, protecting us and looking out for us.

PS - The funniest thing you ever did was send Theo (Jake) home from a field trip in downtown Chicago because he yelled at the top of his lungs, "Ms Oatmaaaaaan, I want some McDonaaalds!!!" - Hilarious

Lamart Clay - Crane Cougars 1990 (Chicago, IL)

I am truly blessed to have known Mrs. Oatman during her service at Crane. I pray that her family will be similarly blessed. James L. Rhodes

Mrs. Oatman I am in tears. You were my second mother in high school. I remember when you recruited me from the 8th grade. You were my mentor and the reason I excelled in high school and went to college. Rest on my mother. May the comforting angels be with Mr. Oatman, Billy & his family.

Mrs. Oatman. I am in tears. You were my second mother in high school. I remember when you recruited me from 8th grade. You helped shape my life from then on till now. I truly love you & will miss you from the bottom of my heart. Thank you. Kimala Franklin

Mrs. Oatman embodied the essence of a phenomenal black women. She had a gift and she shared it openly with many of us. I admired this women because she believed in us and made us believe in ourselves. As an awesome educator, she taught us to use our obstacles as stepping stones. Mrs. Oatman you paid your dues in full. I'm sure our Heavenly Father recognizes your talents & works as a job truly well done! I thank you for always thinking outside the box and coming up with ingenious ways to educate minority children that probably wouldn't have made it in life if it wasn't for you. You've impacted the lives of many and I am honored to be the fruit of your labor.

Billy & Mr. Oatman, I thank you for sharing Mrs. Oatman with us. Please accept my condolences & may Our Lord Jesus Christ comfort you & the family during this difficult time and beyond.

Mickia Williams (Davis)
Crane Cougar c/o 1989
CAAP Student

You'll always be in our heart. Memories of you has caught the minds of everyone that looked up to you. The lord will always keep you by his side for all the things that she has done for the students that she loved.

You were a blessing at Crane. You taught us so much. Rest in peace God's sweet angel. Thank you for caring about us.

Billy, it's hard to lose someone who loves you unconditionally. May God heal your heart!

We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family of Mrs. Oatman on the loss of their dear love one. May you be comforted in knowing that God cares for you. 1Pet 5:6,7.

Mrs Oatman, your earthly vessel may be no more, but the gifts you left behind will never die. Mr. Oatman, Billy & family I pray God comforts your heart and that you all feel the love that so many of us are sending your way. Angelique (Owens) Austin. Crane c/o 91

Rest well sweet Angel! You will live in my heart forever. You shall always be remembered for making a memorable difference in the lives of soooo many youth and adults. To Mr. Oatman, Billy & family, our prayers are with you. Thanks for sharing sweet Joyce Oatman with all of us. Sabrena & Theo Davis (Crane. Class of 1990)

The Oatman Family is in my prayers, I met Miss Oatman when I first enrolled in Crane, God has call one of his special angels home.

Joyce Oatman (Mrs. Oatman) Wow, this lady really represented what we call a teacher, she taught over and beyond. She gave us the instruments and knowledge on how to transition from being a Teenager to becoming an respectable, responsible, intelligent and caring adult, she has left many footprints in many lives!! :-(. You will be missed!!! Thank you Queen Oatman.......

Crane Crougar finest!

May God keep the Oatman Family and surround them with His comfort and peace. Our prayers are with you and for you. In deepest sympathy.

My condolences to the Oatman Family. Ms. Oatman I still remember you coming to R.N Dett school in 1986. You sold me on the Capp program. I chose your program over Whitney Young HS. I have no regrets. I use the critical thinking skills you taught me every day in my career as a consultant and business instructor. Until we meet again....

May you find peace in knowing that Joyce will not only be remembered by those who loved her, but also by God who in his due time, has the power to bring her back to greet you.

RIP

May all of our hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as we celebrate a life well lived.

Mrs. Oatman was definitely one of the greatest people we have ever known. She left behind a great legacy. My husband & I are living proofs of it.

My condolences to the Oatman Family. Mrs. Oatman will me missed by all, she was a wonderfull mentor, teacher and friend.

Joyce, if heaven has an amusement park, I will expect to find you riding the biggest, most fun roller coaster of all. Fond memories...Adele

I miss you so much Mrs. Oatman. It's hard to believe that you are not here with us. Until we meet again....I love you!

Billy and Annette, may God bless you and strengthen you. He is here to comfort you during your time of grief. Look to Him to surround you with His love and remind you of the wonderful times shared with Mrs. Oatman.