Barbara Walser's Obituary
Dear Friends and Family,
We are writing to share the obituary and service details for Barbara Joan Chester Walser, affectionately known to all as BJ. She passed away peacefully at her home in Tulsa, Oklahoma, on November 19, 2025, at the age of 92. Barbara Joan Chester began bringing joy into this world on June. 27, 1933, born in Spencer, North Carolina. Friends and family, for 92 years have known her as BJ and have continued to call her by that nickname until her passing in Tulsa, Oklahoma on November 19, 2025 at home. We know that BJ is at peace now and rejoicing in being reunited with family and friends that arrived before her in that place of Glory. This deeply loved lady graduated from Spencer High School in North Carolina. Barbara is the oldest daughter of Daniel and Catherine (Kitty) Chester, and is survived by her sister, Catherine Nichols and brother, Jim Chester. Shortly after graduating high school, BJ married the love of her life, Jerry Walser. They were married in East Spencer on November 15, 1952, and recently celebrated their 73rd anniversary together. BJ happily took on the mantle of newlywed and wife of Jerry, as the transformation was made to Barbara C. Walser. Barbara, after marrying Jerry, got to travel extensively in the United States and overseas as a dependent wife to a career United States Air Force service member, living in North Carolina, Texas, California, Alabama, Indiana, Virginia, Oklahoma, Turkey and Spain. And also visited Gibraltar, Greece, Italy, and Germany. BJ had many hobbies, such as sewing and making clothes for herself and her children when they were youngsters, cross stitch, various arts and crafts, cooking and later in life, tennis. She was very dedicated to Christian service and the Lutheran Church, attending in person and virtually several Lutheran churches, including First Lutheran and Joy Lutheran Churches, here in Tulsa, where she volunteered in numerous roles. BJ was a very caring and loving person who contributed regularly and lifelong to many charities. Some of them Include donations to animal, children, adult and medical charities. Jerry can attest to this by showing the very numerous calendars and address labels being constantly received! Barbara had an active professional life as a secretary, in diverse roles, such as a civil service, an electronics chain, a local natural gas company, and in Tulsa, she was secretary for First Lutheran Church, Academy Central Elementary School and later, Tulsa Public Schools Education Center. BJ was a devoted mother and raised three children. Two sons, Dan and Greg, and a daughter Morrie. Dan has three children, and so blessed BJ and Jerry with three grandchildren, Hillary (husband Justin), Brandon (wife Emily), and Alex. Greg (wife Rosemary) provided blessings with step-granddaughter Brooke and step-grandson James. Morrie (husband Brent) blessed them with a granddaughter, Courtney. BJ as a mom, we are sure, rejoices in being reuniting with her children, Greg and Morrie. While Jerry and Dan will miss Barbara for a time, we know and are comforted by the realization that this is an exciting and heart-warming time for them. A celebration of life will be held for BJ on Wednesday, November 26th, at 10:30a.m. We heartily invite you to come and participate, at Joy Lutheran Church, 9940 South Yale Avenue, Tulsa, OK, 74137. Immediately afterwards a short reception will be held in the fellowship hall where we will be able to share "re-memories" of times and experiences with Barbara to further celebrate her. A brief grave side service will follow at Floral Haven Funeral Home and Cemetery, 6500 South 129th East Street, Broken Arrow, OK 74012. We would like to thank Joy Lutheran Church, Vicar Brian and all of their supporting staff for their tremendous compassion and helpfulness. Additionally, thanks go out to Floral Haven and the great folks there. The assistance with navigating this very trying period has been so very much appreciated. And last, left here for greatest emphasis, all of our heartfelt love and appreciation must not go unrecognized to the outstanding and exceedingly abundantly, beyond measure and wonderful folks at Compassus Hospice. The team that provided Barbara such extension, over-the-top care cannot be lauded enough for all of their efforts to bring peace and compassionate care to both Mom and Dad. We'd be honored if you'd attend the memorial service for Mom. There will be a viewing for Barbara on Tuesday, November 25th, from 2 to 6 PM at Floral Haven Funeral Home. We realize that heavy are hearts for us remaining here, but that we can also be assured, rejoice
and embrace the untold happiness and joy of those that have gone before us and being together once again, worshiping our Creator.
In God's perfect timing, we that remain behind know that it will be but a short time before everyone is again together.
For God so loved the world.... Jn 3:16
I will sup with him, and he with me... Rev 3:20
He restores my soul... Psalms 3:23
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?
