Barbara Jo Simmons

Nov. 20, 1943 - Sept. 22, 2018

Barbara Jo Simmons, 74, died Saturday, Sept. 22, 2018, after a long struggle with lupus and diabetes. Barbara was the oldest child of Carlus D. and Lillian O. Turner. She was born in Anadarko, OK in 1943. She graduated from John Marshall High School in 1961. Barbara was a faithful Christian servant from her early youth. She and her husband, Frank, met at the Britton Road Church of Christ in April, 1961, very soon after his discharge from military service. They were married just a few months later on Sept. 2, 1961. Barbara devoted her life to loving God, her husband, her children, and grandchildren. She spent many hours in the church nursery and Sunday School. She was a homeroom mother and a tireless supporter of her children’s elementary teachers. Barbara gave her children, Eric, Kerri, and Kim, a head start on education by reading every available children’s book in the library to them. She enjoyed hosting the Quail Spring Youth Group and other gatherings of friends and relatives. She was a great cook and kitchen organizer. Barbara loved league bowling with friends when she was able. She was knowledgeable in arts and crafts and liked helping hobbyists at Woodward’s Arts & Crafts, where she sometimes worked part time. She loved engaging in conversation with good friends and was known for being absolutely trustworthy. Her greatest joy in later years was in developing close relationships with her six grandchildren. To Chris & Tyler Simmons, Shelbi & Mason Kohler, and Brooke & Drew Qualls, she is simply “Memaw”. Barbara recently became a great-grandmother with the August birth of Flint Ericson Simmons to parents Chris & Samantha Simmons. Barbara is survived by her husband, Frank, of the home; her son Eric & his wife, Jan, of Madisonville, LA and their children Chris & Tyler; her daughter Kerri Kohler & her husband, Chuck, of Humble, TX and their children Shelbi & Mason; her daughter Kim Qualls & her husband, Dennis, of Edmond, OK and their children Brooke & Drew; sister Mary Lou Welch & her husband David; and sister-in-law Katie Turner. Her parents preceded her in death, as well as her brother, Harold D. Turner. Visitation will be held Wednesday, Sept. 26, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Demuth Funeral Home, 1145 W. Britton Road, Oklahoma City. A graveside service will be held at Resurrection Memorial Cemetery, 7801 N.W. Expressway, beginning at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 27. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Cross and Crown Mission, 1008 N. McKinley, Oklahoma City, OK 73106. Website: crossandcrownmission.com