Barbara Kathern Jackson (Masterson) (McClure)

Graveside services for Barbara Kathern Jackson (Masterson) (McClure), will be held at 2:00 p.m., Monday, February 10, 2025, at Wiles Cemetery, Ash Flat, Arkansas (200 US-62), under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.    

Barbara passed away in her home on February 5, 2025, in West Plains, Missouri at the age of 81 years and 21 days. She was born on January 15, 1944, in Saddle, Arkansas to Joseph Thomas McClure and Cliffie (Lawson) McClure. Barbara was united in marriage to Earl Masterson on May 14, 1960. Earl preceded her in death. She was later united in marriage to Bill Jackson. Although this unification ended, the love they once shared was known to their four children; Kathern Miller, Sherman Jackson, Nancy Jackson-Bean, and Ann (Louise) Vagenas. Barbara was a woman of unwavering strength and determination, known for her kind heart, ornery spirit and hard-headed nature. She loved unconditionally and found immense joy in spending time with her family and friends. Whether playing cards, watching westerns, or engaging in games with her beloved grandbabies, she cherished every moment shared with those she held close to her heart.   As a parent, she did her best to teach her children right from wrong and encourage them to do their best. As her family extended to grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and so forth, she continued to provide encouragement, remind us to trust the man upstairs, and tell her loved ones that “we are not the giving up type”.  Barbara’s kind heart extended beyond her family and friends. She would try to help anyone that she could. She loved animals and would spoil them as well. She would often take in and care for stray and abused animals and make donations to help with their care. Her fur babies became a huge part of her life.

Barbara is survived by her children, Sherman Jackson, Nancy Jackson-Bean, and Louise Vagenas; her grandchildren, Nikki Tune (Toby), Jonathon Jackson (Tara), and Kasandra Vagenas (Karl); and her great-grandchildren, Aiden Vagenas, Alexandria Jackson, Sophie Tune, Ruby Tune, Bryan Jackson, Dominic Jackson, Laynie Tune, Leo Tune, and Carson Ramirez. She is also survived by her son-in-law, Sam Miller and sister-in-law, Patsy McClure-Lawson.

Barbara was preceded in death by her husband, Earl Masterson, her parents, Thomas and Cliffie, her step-dad, Jody Goodman, her brother Nelson McClure and wife Lucille, brother Ray McClure and wife Naomi McClure, brother Gene McClure, sister Evelyn Collins and husband Shelt, and her daughter Kathern Miller, her fur babies, as well as other family members and friends. 

Barbara’s memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.  John 3:16

Barbara will lie in state from 5:00 until 8:00 p.m., Sunday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  Memorial contributions may be made to Barnes-Jewish Hospital and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO  65775.