Barbara Williamson Obituary

Barbara Lynn Williamson, 84-year-old Plano, Texas resident, formerly of Vinita, Oklahoma, went home to her Lord Jesus Christ Sunday, October 19, 2025, at Baylor-Scott-White Hospital in Plano, surrounded by family. She was born on January 11, 1941, in Vinita to Arthur Jefferson and Thersey Darlene (McLaughlin) Mathis.

Barbara graduated from Vinita High School with the class of 1959. She met the love of her life, Gary Williamson, when she was fourteen years old. The two were wed on January 27, 1963, at the Methodist Church in Vinita.

A true Proverbs 31 woman, Barbara was a homemaker and tended to the needs of her family. She was continually active in the churches that they attended and served in various capacities. She was also a very devoted wife and involved mother, ensuring that her daughter had the best opportunities for success.

Faith was at Barbara’s core. Jesus was her Lord and Savior, and she was proud and thankful for that. Her faith was at the center of all she did: her marriage, her family, and her values. In later years, due to her health, Barbara could not attend church. She and Gary would wake up in the mornings, get a cup of coffee, and watch various Christian programs which would help grow their walk with Christ. She wanted all to fully lean on the Lord and follow His direction.

Barbara is survived by her husband, Gary, of the home; daughter, Michelle McKelvey of Olathe, Kansas; grandchildren, Jacquie Winter and husband, Peter, of Olathe, Kansas, Ashley Franden and significant other, Ben Thomas, of Overland Park, Kansas, and Chris Franden of Olathe, Kansas; great-grandchildren, Judah, Hudson, Lydia, and Charlie; sister, Cheryl Russell of Tulsa, Oklahoma; brother, Gene Mathis; nieces and nephews, Shelli Garrett and husband, Carl, Todd Hopkins and wife, Jennifer, and Angie Russell; as well as a host of friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held Friday, October 24, 2025, in the chapel of Luginbuel Funeral Home with Pastor Andrew Haire, Sr. officiating. A private family interment will follow at Fairview Cemetery in Vinita. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital in Barbara’s memory. Online condolences may be made at www.honoringmemoriesvinita.com or on the funeral home Facebook page.

Arrangements are in the care of Luginbuel Funeral Home of Vinita. “Family owned. Locally operated.”