Petty, Owalah Juanita's Obituary
Owalah Juanita Barnes Petty (Clark), a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great grandmother passed away peacefully on March 3, 2025, at the age of 98. She was born on January 16, 1927, to Ellis Otto (Hap) Clark and Texie Lucille Taylor-Clark in Alluwe, Oklahoma. They moved to Seminole. OK when Juanita was 3 months old. She attended liberty school in the first through sixth grades. In the seventh through twelfth grades, she attended Varnum Schools. Juanita was an honor student. After graduation she attended St. John Nursing School through the Cadet Corp Program from 1945 – 1948 which was the last graduating class of the Cadet Corp.
Juanita began working in the IV department at St. John Hospital in Tulsa as an RN. She retired as head nurse of the IV department in 1993 completing 45 years of working. Her compassion and expertise touched countless lives throughout her career.
On June 17, 1950, Juanita married the love of her life Bobby Joe Barnes. IN 1953 their first daughter was born Nancy Jo Barnes-Abercrombie. Lou Ann Barnes-Amstutz joined the family in 1957.
Juanita gave her life to Jesus Christ on December 8, 1941, at the age of 14.
Bob introduced Juanita to Southern Gospel music when they were dating, and she enjoyed it all her life going to too many live concerts.
Her many talents included being an exceptional seamstress, often creating beautiful clothes for her family. She also enjoyed reading Christian Fiction. Juanita was an avid scrapbooker and journaler, preserving previous memories for future generations. She was an exceptional cook especially known for her biscuits and dumplings.
Juanita was preceded in death by her parents Hap and Lucille Clark, brothers Donald Wayne, and Orville James, husbands Bobby Joe Barnes and Garth Petty and grandson Jacob Abercrombie.
She is survived by daughters Nancy (John) Abercrombie, Lou Ann (Andy) Amstutz, grandchildren Amy (Chris) Miller, Sarah (Scott) Postelwait, Paul (Jennifer) Amstutz, Hillary (Michael) Ryan. Great Grandchildren Maddie Miller, Gabbie Miller, Lucy Crabtree (Kayne Haddaway), Hayden Miller, Sarah Beth Morris, Emalee Morris, Ty Postelwait, Gavin Postelwait, Tanner Ryan, Logan Abercrombie, Charlie Abercrombie Libby Ryan, Tristan Amstutz, Gunner Amstutz. Great Great Grandchildren Jasper Crabtree, Jack Crabtree, and baby girl K.J. coming in July. Siblings Sissy Bailey, Bill Clark, Rose Shepherd, and Carolyn (Ed) Shoemaker. Plus, a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Juanita’s legacy of love, faith, and dedication will forever be remembered by her family and friends.
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