Barbara Tate

Barbara Ruth Tate died November 16, 2019 in Shawnee, Oklahoma at the age of 80 years 10 months 10 days. Memorial services are scheduled for 3:00 PM, Friday, November 22, 2019 at Wadley’s Funeral Chapel, entrusted to the care of Wadley’s Funeral Service. Online condolences may be made at www.wadleysfuneralservice.com.

Barbara was born January 6, 1939 in Purcell, Oklahoma to Neal and Dolly Iris Lucille (Higbee) Black. She was raised and graduated from school in Lexington around 1961. After highschool, Barbara married and moved to California, where she had her children. Around 1967 the family moved back to Lexington. She continued her education in social work from the University of Oklahoma. Barbara also was a certified Master Gardner through OSU-OKC. She worked many jobs include director of the Purcell and Lexington Senior Citizens Centers, Community Action of Norman, grand work for the Potawatomi Nation, as well as grant work for ACOG and ASCOG. Barbara loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren. She enjoyed vegetable gardening, woodworking and crafts, painting, sketching, and going to junk sales and flea markets. Barbara was an amazing cook, and always made friends where ever she went.

Barbara is preceded in death by her parents, Neal and Dolly Black; siblings, Don Black, Linda Black, Patricia "Patty" Forehand, Margaret "Maggie" Watkins, and Carla Shelter. Survivors include her daughter, Sonya Tate of Shawnee; son, Jess Tate and wife, Sharon of California; siblings, Omar "Buddy" Black and wife, Billie Ruth of Colorado, William "Bill" Black and wife, Terri of Nevada, Terry Black and wife, Mary of Lexington; grandchildren, Jessica Jackson and husband, Alex of Wisconsin, Sarah Crooks and husband, Kurt of Texas, Carson Tate and Casey Tate of California; great grandchildren, Cruz Jackson, Jett Jackson, Bohdi Jackson, Harlowe Crooks, and Houston Crooks, one the way; brothers-in-law, Roy Shelton and Doug Watkins; and many other relatives and friends.