Barbara Ferguson's Obituary
Barbara Jean Ferguson was born April 27, 1934, in Muskogee, OK, to John Dee Burk and Addie Mariah Kyle Burk, and passed from this life on August 1st, 2019, at the age of 85. Barbara was raised and educated in Muskogee, Oklahoma, and graduated with the Muskogee Central High School class of 1952. She continued her education at Muskogee Junior College, and she also attended Ozark Bible College in Joplin, Missouri, during the years 1952 through 1954. Barbara was married to Brice Ferguson, also of Muskogee, on August 24, 1958. Upon marrying, Brice and Barbara made their home in Tulsa for the earliest years of their marriage. There, they had their three children, Mary, Glenn, and Scott. When Scott entered school, Barbara worked on completing a bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Tulsa, graduating in 1971. In 1972, Barbara began teaching in the Owasso Public School system, teaching third grade and music for a time, but mostly fourth grade. Her passion in teaching was to help struggling readers (and non-readers) learn to not only read, but to love to read. Many of Mrs. Ferguson’s students have contacted her over the years, often expressing that she was one of their favorite teachers. The Fergusons joined First Christian Church (now First Church) in Owasso, where they became very active members. Barbara served as treasurer and social director of the Truthseekers class at First Church during Brice’s entire 43-year tenure as teacher. During most of the 1970’s and 1980’s, Barbara was church choir director and worship leader. Under her service as director, the choir would frequently travel in the area to perform cantatas and other musical presentations in sister congregations. Barbara was a loving wife, mother, aunt, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She also was a loyal colleague and friend. She liked playing Bunco with her friends,always enjoyed socializing, and had a genuine love for people, and for life itself. She was preceded in death by her parents, and by her brother, Dr. James Mac Burk. Barbara is survived by her husband of almost 61 years, Brice Ferguson, of the home, One Daughter: Mary Riddle and husband Al, of Ponca City, Two Sons: Glenn Ferguson, of Owasso; Scott Ferguson and wife Julie, of Sand Springs, Seven Grandchildren: Brian, Kelly, Andrew, Hannah, Claire, Kate, and Paul, Three Great Grandchildren: Haley, Reagan and Ally And a number of Nieces and Nephews Those wishing to contribute to a favorite cause of Barbara’s might consider an “In Memory Of” donation to The Difference fund at OCC.edu/donate Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held 1:00PM, Tuesday, August 6 at First Church Owasso10100 N Garnett Rd, Owasso, OK 74055
What’s your fondest memory of Barbara?
What’s a lesson you learned from Barbara?
Share a story where Barbara's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Barbara you’ll never forget.
How did Barbara make you smile?