Phyllis D. Barber
June 30, 1959 – May 28, 2015
Phyllis Barber 55, of Guthrie, passed away suddenly Thursday, May. Phyllis dedicated her life to caring for her family and her patients. Phyllis was born in 1959 to Othel “Blackie” and Betty Howell in Wichita, Kansas. She graduated from the OSU-OKC Nursing program in 1991 and then went on to complete a Bachelor’s and Master’s in Nursing, becoming a Nurse Practitioner in 2011. Her commitment to her patients was only surpassed by her love of her husband, daughters and grandchildren. She loved to make quilts and leaves many beautiful moments for her grandchildren to remember their “NaNa” by. Mere words composed in an obituary cannot express the love that her family has for her. Thank you for all you have taught us and the example of an exceptional parent, spouse and friend that you have given us. Phyllis’ boundless spirit, quick wit and love for others was felt by everyone she touched. The only thing she couldn’t countenance was stupid drivers and the Oklahoma weather forecasters. She is survived by her husband of over thirty years, James “Mike” Barber, their three daughters Wendy Deatsch and her husband David of Edmond, Oklahoma; Stephanie Billingsley and her husband Chris of Amarillo, Texas; and Dr. Megan Hawkins and her husband Frank of St. Petersburg, Florida. In addition, she leaves behind five wonderful grandchildren that she loved more than anything. She is also survived by her three brothers, Terrell Howell, Alfred Howell and Donald Howell. She was preceded in death by her parents and younger brother David. Anyone who ever came into contact with Phyllis knew that this was a very special person and was better for having met her. Phyllis leaves an indelible impression on this world that is rarely seen and will be missed by all who knew her. Wake will be Sunday, May 31st 7 pm at Matthews Funeral Home in Edmond Oklahoma. Catholic services will be held Monday June 1, 2015 starting at 11 am at St John the Baptist Catholic church in Edmond with interment at Pleasant Hill Cemetery immediately following. The family requests in lieu of flowers that donations be given to the Good Samaritan Health Clinic of Edmond where she was an active volunteer provider and past member of the board of directors.
Shock and heartfelt sadness at hearing of Phyllis’s passing. It is hard to wrap my mind around this.
My heart goes out to you, Mike, Wendy, Stephanie and Megan as well as your entire families. I had the opportunity to hire Phyllis into my department at OUMC Edmond for a time, and delighted in hearing her talk about her family. She is very special to many, and I count myself fortunate to have worked with her the time I did. She was exceptional in every way, brilliant, compassionate, funny, focused and blessed everyone whose path she crossed.
You will be in my prayers for a long time to come, as you grieve the loss of Phyllis’s earthly presence. I absolutely believe she is in heaven, radiant and guiding you from above.
Much love, Donna Plewes
I am so sorry to hear of her passing so early in life. She will be greatly missed. My prayers for you Mike and your family for peace. She was such a nice person.
I don’t have the words to express my sadness and shock to hear of the death of Phyllis. I was blessed to work with her many years ago at Community Hospice. Even though I am almost old enough to be her Mother, she taught me things I will never forget. She loved to tell stories about her daughters, but I was particularly fond of her “Megan” stories. When I worked with Phyllis, Megan was a very precocious young child that kept her Mom and Dad both very busy. If I remember correctly, she was helping clean one day and cleaned the TV screen with furniture polish. Needless to say, that didn’t work out too well. But, I still remember Phyllis laughing about it. She delighted in telling stories about her family and I was delighted to here them. Phyllis and I met again at Epworth Villa almost twenty years later. She was so proud to tell me about Mike and the three girls. Phyllis didn’t disappoint me she now had grandchildren stories.
Mike, Wendy, Stephanie, and Megan: The world was a better place because Phyllis spread her light and shared her soul with all of us. I know that she is now able to truly understand how important she is to all of us who were privileged to know her. Know that there are many people Phyllis touched that will be praying for her family in the days to come and thanking God for the opportunity to share our lives with her, even if it was for a brief time.
My prayers are with all of you!
Linda Crawford