Barbara Ann Parris Washburn

Barbara Ann Parris Washburn, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, educator and friend, passed away surrounded by family.

Barbara met the love of her life, James “Jim” Washburn, Sr. more than 80 years ago at a grade school basketball game. They married in 1953 at Grandfield Baptist Church and shared nearly 73 years. They raised three children: Vicki Lyn, Gale Ann and James Lenard “Lil Jim” Washburn, Jr.

Barbara dedicated more than 30 years to education, earning degrees from Southeastern Oklahoma State University and Southwestern Oklahoma State University. She began teaching in Ardmore and completed her career as a teacher and counselor in Antlers. She loved her students and the opportunity to watch children learn and grow.

Those who knew Barbara will remember her quick wit, strong personality, unwavering faith, love of family, and unmistakable whistle. She loved coffee, lipstick, Elvis Presley, I Love Lucy, basketball, dominoes, cooking, and Christmas –– with two trees always better than one. Her nine granddaughters and numerous great-grandchildren brought her immeasurable joy. They lovingly knew her as Pokey Eye, GiGi, and Grannie Fannie.

Barbara’s faith was central to her life, especially Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

She is survived by Jim; her three children: Elizabeth Washburn, Ellis Silvey; nine granddaughters, and numerous great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, Claudie Mae, Hussy Parris, and Benton Parris; brothers: Ishmael, Ed, Sam, Buck and Glenn Parris; and sisters: Evelyn, Fupa, Ruth Stevens, Josephine Fulmer, Juanita Lofton, and Carla Beth Palmer.

The graveside service was held Sept. 18, 2026 at Grandfield Memorial Cemetery in Grandfield, Okla., under the direction of Prater-Lampton-Mills & Coffey Funeral Home.