Barbara J. Mathews was born on February 1, 1934 in Raven Den, Arkansas to Price and Mamie (Arnold) Turner. She passed from this life on June 20, 2007 at her home in Jenks, Oklahoma at the age of 73 years, 4 months & 19 days.

Barbara was a retired 4th grade teacher for the Jenks Central Elementary School where she had worked for over 20 years. Even after her retirement, she loved spending time with and teaching children and enjoyed her monthly visits with her friends in the Retired Educators Association. She was a longtime member of the Crosstown Church of Christ and was involved in a number of volunteer activities through the church as well as serving as a Sunday School teacher. She was faithful to volunteer her help with the Jenks Food Bank, the Contact Food Bank and the Crosstown Food Bank. She loved participating in the Wednesday Ladies Bible Class and her daily walks with her good friend, Nyla Nunley.

She is survived by her husband of almost 48 years, Charlie Mathews, whom she married on July 19, 1959 in Columbia, Missouri. She is also survived by 2 daughters; Melinda Tipton and husband Tom of Chouteau, OK; and Julie Meyer and husband Chuck of Fort Worth TX; 1 son; David P Mathews of San Diego, CA; 8 grandchildren; Jerod and Davina Wyer of Chouteau, Amanda and Mike Inglett of Chouteau, Brian and Sandi Wyer of Jacksonville, NC, Brody Murphy of Pittsburg, KS, Abby Murphy of Chouteau, Benjamin, Maggie and Daniel Meyer all of Fort Worth, TX, her 5 great grand children, Hannah Jones, Hunter Wyer, Shelby Snodgrass, Chesney Inglett and Haley Wyer as well as many nieces and nephews.

Casket bearers were Benjamin Meyer, Daniel Meyer, Jerod Wyer, Brian Wyer, Brody Murphy & Mike Inglett.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hope Harbor Children's Home PO Box 1047 Claremore OK 74018-1047.