Lula Barnes

Lula Cecile Barnes—known to most as Lucille, and more affectionately known as “Mother,” “Memaw,” “Meme,” or “Aunt Cele”—passed away peacefully at home on July 10, 2025, in Midwest City, Oklahoma. She was 99 years young and still tending to her tomato plants.

Born in Grady, Arkansas on June 11, 1926, Lucille was the 5th of 9 children born to Lena and John Early Manley. She was the last one standing, the last of her generation—outliving all eight of her siblings: Leta Catherine, Agnes, Martha, Earl, Mary, Roy, Margaret Ann, and Bob. A full generation of strength, sass, and stubbornness, wrapped up in one incredible 4’10 woman.

Lucille married the dashing Avery Lee Barnes on June 30, 1943. Together they raised three children—Sue, Lee Jr., and Mark—shared 46 years of marriage, and cut many rugs on the dance floor.

Lucille had many passions. She could often be found painting, sewing, tending to her flowerbeds, or planning her next crop of tomatoes. She loved collecting Santa figurines, doing word search puzzles and reading Dean Koontz novels—so much so that her granddaughter Erin had to create a spreadsheet to avoid buying duplicates.

She never met a pair of earrings she didn’t like, especially pearls. Jewelry, slacks, and sweaters were her unofficial uniform, whether it was Sunday Mass or a trip to Sonic. She believed in sparkle, dignity, and showing up put together.

Lucille is survived by her daughter Sue, her favorite granddaughter Erin and husband John, and her adored great-grandkids: Taylor, Tori (husband Josiah), and Alex. She also leaves behind an army of nieces, nephews, greats, great-greats, and a few great-great-greats-we lost count. Most of all, she leaves behind a legacy of love, grit, laughter, and stories that will be retold for years.

Her great-grandkids fondly referred to Friday's with her as “Memaw Day”—a time for hugs, home-cooked meals, storytelling, and the kind of spoiling only Memaws know how to do.

Lucille was preceded in death by her husband Lee; her sons Lee Jr. and Mark; her parents Lena and John; all eight of her siblings; her son-in-law Jim; and grandsons Shawn and Randy. We’re certain she’s already throwing a heavenly family reunion—wearing slacks, a fuzzy sweater, and pearls, sipping on a cold Diet Dr. Pepper, and catching everyone up on the family news.

If you knew her, you were lucky. If you were loved by her, you were richly blessed. She will be missed fiercely, remembered joyfully, and loved forever.