Barbara Lynn Lawrence, 86, of Tulsa, OK peacefully passed away March 18th, 2023. Barbara was born to Roy and Mary Johnston on July 15, 1936 in Topeka, Kansas. She grew up in Topeka and then attended the University of Kansas where she was in Kappa Alpha Theta sorority. Due to a temporary illness, she transferred home to Washburn University in Topeka where she met her first husband Warren Jackman and they married in 1956. They had four children together and eventually landed in Tulsa where she raised her family and lived the rest of her life.
Barbara and her younger brother Bob had a wonderful childhood growing up in an idyllic neighborhood with many close friends. She was a natural beauty and as a young adult she modelled for Southwestern Bell and several local department stores.
In 1974 Barbara met and married a widower from Tulsa, Hank Lawrence, who had two children of his own. Now a mother of six she became dedicated to providing a comfortable home amid the fun and chaos! The next several years were crazy busy for Barbara as she worked part-time, prepared meals for her new family of eight, and attended school events and sports activities. Barbara and Hank loved the lake and spent many Saturday's with the kids, teaching them to ski and enjoy the outdoors.
Barbara's part-time job turned into a real passion for her as she spent twenty-five years as the receptionist for Woodland Animal Hospital. Not only was it a great work environment, it was also a great place for the children to visit as they all loved animals. Not surprisingly, the family adopted several dogs and cats who needed a home, and they became beloved family pets.
Once the children were gone Hank and Barbara spent some of their time travelling. They were huge University of Tulsa sports fans and frequently traveled with the Hurricane Club to football and basketball games around the country. They also had a memorable trip to Europe as well as several trips to Hawaii, which was one of Barbara's favorite places in the world. She had a number of hobbies including playing golf, mahjong, bridge, and reading. Her other big hobby was keeping up with her fifteen grandkids, which were one of the biggest joys of her life.
Barbara spent her last years at The Linden Assisted Living facility in Tulsa where she developed many special and beloved friends. The family is very grateful to her friends and the staff at The Linden, as well as the staff at Season's Hospice and Clarehouse who took great care of Barbara in her final days.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Henry Lawrence; and son, Jay Jackman. Barbara is survived by her brother, Bob Johnston( Jan); her children, Jera Holder (Jim); Jeff Jackman(Aileen); Jana Love(Rich); Amy Phillips(Mike); Morgan Lawrence(Nicole); fifteen grandchildren and eight great grandchildren.
Barbara was a kind and pleasant person, who was patient and eager to listen. She will be greatly missed by her family and friends.
The family would like to thank everyone for all the thoughts and prayers. They will be holding a private service in the future.
Donations can be made to Clarehouse
www.clarehouse.org