Barbara M. Jackson
Barbara M. Jackson
Barbara May Jackson (known as Barb to her friends) passed away at 5:24 p.m., Sunday, October 25, 2020, at Select Specialty Hospital in Springfield, Missouri.
She was born at home in Elizabeth, Arkansas, October 4, 1946, to Elmo Pershing Tyree and Mamil (Shelton) Tyree who preceded her in death. When Barbara was three years of age the family, consisting also of her older brother Darrell, moved to a farm south of the South Fork, Missouri area on E Highway. It was there Barbara grew up and lived on the farm throughout her childhood, attending one-room schools until attending and graduating from eighth grade at the newly constructed South Fork School. Following high school graduation with the Class of 1964 at West Plains High School, Barbara attended Draughon Business University in Springfield, Missouri, receiving a Junior Accounting Degree in 1965. She later earned an Associate of Science Degree in Paralegal Studies from SMSU (now MSU-West Plains) in 1999. Barbara married Dale Raymond Callahan in 1965 and to this union one son, Douglas Raymond Callahan, was born on July 29, 1969. She was later married to Virgil Joe Jackson. To this union one son, John Tod Jackson, was born on March 4, 1979. Barbara felt her greatest accomplishments were the lives of her two sons, both of whom survive her. Barbara was very involved in Boy Scouts along with her sons, as they each earned the rank of Eagle Scout. Camping was a favorite family activity and Barbara and the boys spent many days and miles enjoying tent camping. She was known to send cards with a handwritten note for just about any occasion or no occasion at all, and she was always elated to receive a handwritten note from others. A long-time employee of the legal field in both Greene and Howell Counties of Missouri, in various capacities, she was appointed the Court Reporter of the 37th Judicial Circuit in 1995, and served in that job until her retirement in 2006. After a month of retirement she began a part-time job at Ozark Independent Living in 2006, working there until September of 2020, when she said it was time to try retirement again. Traveling was a particular enjoyment of Barbara’s. Experiencing the cultures of Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia, plus the polar bears in Canada, were some of her favorite experiences. Barbara lived in the same house that she loved for forty-five years, having moved there in April, 1975. She had many good neighbors through those years and always tried to be a good neighbor to others. She was very independent and reserved. She believed God watched over her and would take her when it was time. She was a faithful member of First Church of God of West Plains for many years, serving in various capacities in the church. Barbara enjoyed the company of her pets, Punkin, also known as “The cat with an attitude” and Josie, her Puggle, and always said they helped her hold down the fort in West Plains. Barbara and Josie enjoyed many hours at Georgia White Walking Park with their friends Brenda and Max. Punkin and Josie will continue to be well cared for by family.
She is survived by her brother and sister-in-law, Darrell and Dorothy Tyree; one nephew, Lynn Tyree and wife, Cindy; one niece, Jaquita Perkins and husband, Ray; and numerous great-nieces and nephews.
Barbara wanted no visitation or funeral. She requested to be cremated without ceremony, thus cremation was prearranged through Robertson-Drago Funeral Home in West Plains. A portion of her ashes will be privately interred at the Mt. Zion Cemetery of South Fork. Her sons will place the remainder of her ashes in accordance with her directions at sites of her choosing. Because all of Barbara’s pets through the years were rescues, it was her desire that in lieu of flowers, those who wish may contribute in her memory to an animal rescue or humane society of their choice, to help those creatures who cannot help themselves. At her request Barbara was an organ donor, and would encourage those who knew her to be organ donors as well. Those wishing to communicate with Barbara’s sons may do so at the following phone numbers: Doug: 208-449-3059 and Tod: 417-372-3178.
Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Melynni Jolliff
October 26, 2020 @ 3:57 pm
I am so sorry to hear about Barb, I just loved her. I worked with her at Garrett and Ray. She was a special lady. Please accept my condolences.
Amber(Cozort)Redburn
October 26, 2020 @ 5:31 pm
Doug, Todd, and the Tyree Families,
We want to extend our deepest sympathy to all of you on the passing of Barb. My parents and I enjoyed her friendship and agree that she was a very friendly, caring neighbor to us and others over in the Monk Street area. She always had a smile and struck up a conversation with those she knew..catching up with what was new in their lives. She will be missed a lot by us! During this difficult time may God encourage, strengthen, comfort, and give all of you peace. May God bless all of you.
In Christian Love,
Norris/Ivene Cozort
Tim, Amber(Cozort), and Corby Redburn
Shelley Surface
October 26, 2020 @ 6:20 pm
Barb, you were one in a million. I had the pleasure of working with you at both the Courthouse and Ozark Independent Living. We always tried to make the best of any task that you and I tackled. You touched many lives by all the cards and different things you done for others. I will always treasure the cards you gave to me. You will never be forgotten, and will always hold a special place in my heart! Love, Shelley
Teresa eldringhoff romans
October 26, 2020 @ 9:53 pm
Wonderful lady. God speed Ms. Barb.
Abby Hess
October 27, 2020 @ 9:20 am
Barb was a truly special lady. I enjoyed working with her her on various projects and visiting with her in the neighborhood and out in the community. Her confidence and grace have served to inspire me and I will carry her lessons with me in my heart.
To all who loved her, may her light shine bright in your lives for a long time to come, and may her memories bring you comfort and peace.
Kay Garrett
October 27, 2020 @ 10:06 am
Barb had a special place in our lives. She worked with Jack for 22 years and helped us create the paralegal degree at the university. She went on to complete that degree taking one course a semester with all A’s. She said with working full time and two boys that was all the time she had. She learned the skills and information required for a cour reporter in record time and even became a member of the board of examiners . Her determination and ability made her excell in everything she did.
Lori Cox
October 27, 2020 @ 10:58 am
Barb was in inspiration to me. I lived through her travels and her stories. I loved seeing Josie’s Christmas pictures and looked forward to them every year. Barb always had the most beautiful flowers and unique vases that she would decorate her desk with. They were always a topic of office conversation. I will miss our talks and will always remember her laughter. Love you Barb.
Kathy Bauer
October 27, 2020 @ 11:25 am
My dear, sweet Barb. Thank you for your friendship over the years. I will always cherish our times together and our conversations. I will miss your laughter and especially your hugs. You left a great void on earth when you gained your heavenly wings. Forever in my heart and forever my friend. I love you dear one. Kathy B.
Kathy Cozort-Beaty
October 27, 2020 @ 12:38 pm
Tod and family, So sorry for your loss. She was a sweet lady.
Elaine Cozort Lippincott, my daughter was in your class.
You’re in my thoughts and prayers.
Cherish her memories.
Kathy Cozort-Beaty
Mary Leroy
October 27, 2020 @ 3:34 pm
Doug & Todd I am sorry to hear of your loss. Barb was a great neighbor & friend. JOHN & Velma Freeman thought very highly of you boys & your sweet mother. God bless you. Maryann Warren Leroy
Sarah Wittenauer
October 28, 2020 @ 10:21 am
Please accept my condolences. I met Barb just a few years ago, and was immediately fond of her wit and vitality. I can see she was loved by many, and I hope that brings comfort to her family.
Carolyn Honeycutt
October 28, 2020 @ 1:32 pm
Doug and Todd, I am so very sorry for the loss of your mother. I worked with her for several years. She was very loyal and dedicated to her profession. I also enjoyed the fun side of Barbara. The funny stories of both of you boys and some funny ones where the pets were involved. I cherish the pillows and Christmas ornaments she made for me and all the memories.
Joe and Barb Nix
October 28, 2020 @ 6:46 pm
Love and prayers to all of Barb’s family…. She was such a special lady… Admired her energy and dedication to her boys… Proud to call her friend… Rest In peace Barb…
Forrest Ogden
October 29, 2020 @ 1:35 pm
My favorite thing about working with Barb was exchanging gardening ideas and tips and sharing new things with each other. Barb and I also got to talk about traveling a lot and discussed different cultures and peoples, and she always seemed to enjoy the talks we had. I got to become friends with Barb over the few years we have worked together, and I can honestly say I will miss her. She was a wonderful lady, coworker, and friend.
Jack & Elda Myers
October 29, 2020 @ 6:39 pm
Doug and Tod, We are praying for you during this time of grieving. I lived at the YWCA and attended Draughons’ Business School with your mother. After she married and I moved to St. Louis, we had less communication. Once on the way to CA, Jack & I visited Barb, Dale and toddler, Doug. Then once Barb moved to West Plains, we all got busy with life and didn’t correspond often until we came to Branson and met Barb & Tod. (1984?) After that visit, we corresponded regularly. We both enjoyed emailing but also hand-written notes, and I will surely miss her encouraging messages. She certainly was an accomplished court reporter and a friend of many. We will be happy to give a donation in her name to our local Human Society. Although we never met, prayers are with her brother and family as well. She LOVED her biological family and her church family.
Travis J Mask
November 1, 2020 @ 7:11 am
Barb was truly an amazing woman who helped so many. I am just heart broken.