Barbara Jo Jacobson's Obituary
Barbara Jo Jacobson (Bowman)
February 21, 1942 – July 24, 2026
Barbara Jo Jacobson (Bowman), 84, of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, passed away peacefully at home on July 24, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family.
Barbara was born on February 21, 1942, in Falls City, Nebraska, to Randall and Francis Leone Bowman. She spent her early years in Omaha before her family moved to Tulsa in 1955, where she attended Edison High School. It was there, at just 15 years old, that she met the love of her life, Jimmie Joseph Jacobson. Their high school romance blossomed into a beautiful lifelong love story.
Barbara and Jimmie were married in 1960 and built a life centered on love, family, and unwavering devotion to one another. This coming September would have marked their 66th wedding anniversary—a testament to the enduring love and commitment they shared.
Barbara first devoted herself to raising her three children as a loving stay-at-home mom being the ultimate neighborhood and classroom mom. As her family grew older, she and Jimmie owned and operated Peeps Foods in Broken Arrow. Following the busy life of owning Peeps, they moved to Ft Gibson Lake and lived there for 12 years before settling for good in Broken Arrow.
She was a true baseball mom with many a night spent at the ball park. She rarely missed a softball game, tumbling meet, cheer competition, horseback riding event, school program, awards ceremony, or any milestone that mattered to her kids and grandkids. Whether serving in the PTA, helping in classrooms, supporting Girl Scouts, or simply cheering from the stands, Barbara’s presence was constant, her encouragement unwavering, and her love unconditional.
To know Barbara was to know someone who always put others before herself. She was gentle, selfless, and the steady heart of her family. If one of her children, grandchildren, or great-grandchildren needed her, she dropped everything without hesitation—even if it meant hopping on a one-way flight to Houston at a moment’s notice. She never kept score and never asked for anything in return. She simply showed up, every single time.
She made life fun and never worried about the mess because it could always be cleaned up later. Some of her family’s favorite memories include throwing bags of confetti around the house to bring in the New Year, spending endless summer days swimming and fishing at the lake, making late-night nachos, doing nails, playing countless games of Skip-Bo, and reminding the girls to “always put your lips on.” These simple moments became treasured family traditions that will be cherished forever.
She enjoyed mystery novels, detective shows, and evenings surrounded by the people she loved most.
She never met a stranger. Barbara had an incredible gift for making everyone feel welcomed, important, and loved. She wasn’t just “Mom” or “Grandma” to her own children and grandchildren—she became Mom and Grandma to many others. She faithfully kept up with her children and grandchildren’s friends from high school, college, and beyond, always wanting to know how they were doing and what was happening in their lives. Her kindness reached far beyond her own family, and the impact she made on those around her will never be forgotten.
Barbara is survived by her beloved husband, Jimmie Joseph Jacobson Sr., of Broken Arrow; her daughters, Jamie Aary and her husband, Gary, of Broken Arrow, and Sandie Shook of Broken Arrow; her son, Jimmie Jacobson Jr, of Broken Arrow; her sister, Sandy Bedford and her husband, Fred, of Broken Arrow; six beloved granddaughters, Megan and her husband, Anthony; Robyn and her husband, Clayton; Shelby and her husband, Dalton; Britni; Jessica; and Mackenzie; eleven cherished great-grandchildren, with another precious great-grandchild expected in September; along with many extended family members and dear friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Randall and Francis Leone Bowman; her sister, Kai Helling; her husband Duane; and son-in-law, Bobby Shook.
Barbara’s greatest accomplishment was the family she helped build and the love she gave so freely. She taught those around her that the greatest expression of love is simply showing up—through everyday moments, celebrations, and life’s challenges.
Though our hearts are broken, we find comfort knowing that her love, kindness, strength, and gentle spirit will continue to guide our family for generations to come.
She will be deeply missed, forever loved, and never forgotten.
A visitation for family and friends will be held on Wednesday from 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM at Floral Haven Funeral Home. A private family service will be held on Thursday to honor Barbara's life.
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