Barbara Cheryl James

Barbara Cheryl James, 61, died peacefully at home surrounded by her loving family, on Wednesday, May 6, 2015. Barbara was a longtime resident of the Shawnee and Tecumseh area.

She was born August 8, 1953 to Charlene “Chuggy” and Emerson Wilson in Talihina, Oklahoma. She graduated from Shawnee High School in 1971 and went on to attend college at St. Gregory’s and graduated with an associate’s degree. She went on to work for Allen Bradley and held multiple position within the Absentee Shawnee Tribe. Barbara fought and won a battle with breast cancer in 2008. In recent years Barbara enjoyed garage selling and was an avid thrift shopper. Barbara held great pride in her American Indian Heritage and was an active member of the Absentee Shawnee Tribe. Most importantly, Barbara enjoyed spending time with her family and grandchildren.

Barbara was preceded in death by her daughter Laura Jane Williams; father, Emerson Wilson; mother, Charlene “Chuggy” Atwell; brother, Ralph Cy Wilson; grandmother, Katherine Masquat; grandfather, Charlie Masquat; niece, Christina Skye Wilson; nephew, Scott “Bubba” Wilson.

Survivors include her daughter Melanie Williams; daughter Bobbie Farmer and husband Mike. Grandchildren; Jordan Jones, Jacob Jones, Andrew Farmer, Lauren Farmer and Jadyn Wilson. Step-Father; Paul Atwell. Siblings; Mike Wilson, Noreen Bui and husband Nhan, Dewayne Wilson, Diane Wilson, Beverly Alee and husband Majid, Emerson Wilson and wife Linda, Walter Wilson, Patricia Wolfe; Kenny Smith, David Atwell and Janice Atwell. Nephews; Wesley, Terry, Robert, Wiley, Bennett, Russell, Eric, Tony; Nieces; Sheila and Deena among other numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends; Dewayne James and her furry friend Ivory.

Viewing will be held Friday, May 8, 2015 from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm at Resthaven Funeral Home in Shawnee. A memorial for Barbara will be held on Saturday, May 9, 2015 at 2:00 pm at Temple Baptist Church, located at 1234 East Highland in Shawnee.