Barbara Jean Earnest

Barbara Jean Earnest, the best mother, nana, sister and friend gained her angel wings on Thursday, March 18, 2021 in Denison, Texas. She was born to Lloyd and Ollie Bea Hawkins on Oct. 18, 1941 in Hugo, Okla. She grew up in Apple, Okla., on the family farm with four other siblings: Jimmy, Martha Jo, Lowell (Shorty) and Billy (Bruce).

Barbara was a strong-willed, hardworking woman. From the time she was little she would get out there with the boys and work in the fields planting with her daddy, who gave her the nickname “Tom” because she was such a Tomboy. They did not have much growing up, but she was determined that her kids always had what they needed. For most of her life she raised Greg, Rhonda and Kerri by herself by working and providing for them. Barbara worked at the Cedar Shed as a waitress for many years, she truly enjoyed serving people. Barbara loved everyone she met and would chat and talk to anyone who had the time. In her later years she also enjoyed volunteering at the food bank, and Hope Chest in Hugo. Barbara also developed a love for her fur baby companion, Sophie.

Barbara will always be remembered by many for always being in the kitchen cooking or baking. Some of her favorites she loved to make for her family were her wonderful yeast rolls, fried pies, fresh apple spice cake, biscuits, chicken ‘n dumplin’s, chicken enchiladas and cream pies. Barbara enjoyed her family; she was always happy anytime they were together. She took such pride in her children, grandchildren and especially her greatgrandchildren.

Next to family, Barbara’s church, New Hope Church of God in Hugo, is very dear to her. Barbara was a virtuous woman, a true believer of God. She raised all her family in church and believed that was the utmost important thing in life.

Those left to cherish Barbara’s memories are her children: Greg Duncan of Spencerville, Okla., Rhonda Gooding of Grant, Okla., Kerri Eastwood and husband, William of Aberdeen, Ohio; grandchildren: Brian Ashlock of Durant, Okla., Shawna Mills and husband, Stihl of Unger, Okla., Ashlyn Owens of Hugo, Kaleigh Eastwood and fiance, Forrest of Durant, and Deonna Gooding of Grant; great-grandchildren: Paris, Adalyn, Stihl, Evelyn and Elizabeth; brother, Jim Hawkins and wife, Linda of Rattan, Okla.; sister, Jo Stammen and husband, Phil of Roseburg, Oregon; bonus children: LaDonna Hoggard and husband, Jim, Ben Fletcher and wife, Pam, Sherry Angel and husband, Justin Marshall, Bryon Earnest and Annamaire; bonus grandchildren: Tana Morse and husband, Keith, Jimmy Hoggard and wife, Ashley, Nickey Clour and husband, Kyle, Cristen Tucker and husband, Cody, Dakota Fowler and wife, Ave; bonus great-grandchildren: Tucker, Jay, Kaylen, Maleighna, Saylor, Mattie and Amelia; life-long friend: Vera Burroughs, Penny Pospisil and family; special friend, Clint Campbell, along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of friends who meant the world to her.

Barbara was preceded in death by her husband, James (Ted) Earnest; parents: Lloyd and Ollie Bea Hawkins; brother, Lowell Dean Hawkins; great-granddaughter, Oakleigh Owens.

Celebration of Barbara’s Life was held at 10 a.m. Thursday, March 25, 2021 at Hugo First Baptist in Hugo.

Interment followed the service at Spring Chapel with Ashley Phillips, Ashley Hawkins, Brett Miller, Dakota Fowler, Gary Baskin, Jim Hoggard, Jimmy Hoggard, Keith Morse, Micheal Maxwell and Todd Pitt. Honorary Pallbearers were Alton James, Ben Fletcher, Forrest Hayes, Kim Guthrie, Melvin Pospisil, Stihl Mills and William Eastwood.

Services were under the direction of her granddaughter, Kaleigh and Prater-Lampton-Mills and Coffey Funeral Home in Hugo.

Family and friends are invited to sign the guest book or send private condolences to the family at www.praterlampton.com.

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