Barbara Jo Adkerson Oakley, born February 7, 1942, went to be with Jesus in her mansion in the sky on September 1, 2026, at 84 years old. Funeral services are 10:00am Tuesday, September 8, 2026 at West Isle Presbyterian Church 13724 Stewart Road Galveston, Texas 77554. Barbara will be laid to rest at 2:00pm Tuesday, next to her beloved husband at Houston National Cemetery following the funeral.

Barbara was born in Sayre, Oklahoma to Rubin and Rosie Adkerson; she was the youngest of 4 girls plus had the bonus of a nephew that was more like a brother. She was preceded in death by her husband Bill Oakley and two of her sisters: Lavern Sunderland (deceased 2013) and Jean Byrd (deceased 1983). She is survived by her sister Genera Farmer & husband Larry, nephew James Sunderland & wife Moscelene, two daughters, Delonna Newsom & husband Hal and Sandra Glynn & husband Ed, two sons, Randy Oakley & wife Pamela and Kenny Oakley & wife Christin. She often said, “One child was by her, and the others became hers by another woman named Donna, whom she appreciated the gift from.” She also has 10 grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren.

She began her career in the legal profession in 1966/67 at Amarillo Municipal Court where she was employed for 13 years; she then moved on to being Potter County Judge’s legal assistant for 5 years. She advanced her career to the Texas Attorney General’s Office in the Child Support Division where she was in the legal department, then became supervisor and retired as an Enforcement Officer in 2003. In between the years at Potter County and The Attorney General’s Office she lived in Memphis, Tennessee where she owned a hair & nail salon named BJ’s, which despite being her initials, stood for “Belongs to Jesus”.

Barbara touched many lives in the 84 years she was on this earth, from taking in abandoned children, assisting the elderly, or just being the hands and feet of Jesus to her neighbors and family. She was always willing to help in any way she could.

Her family was her passion, and she prayed for all of us daily. She knew of the faithfulness of God from all He had seen her through in life and knew He would answer her prayers. She loved to laugh, sing, dance, and tell jokes with her grandkids. She will be dearly missed by all that knew her, but we all know she’s dancing and singing with Jesus for eternity.

In lieu of flowers the family request donations be made to West Isle Presbyterian Church P.O. Box 3929 Galveston, Texas 77552.