Sally Louise Okerson

Sally was born June 2, 1936 in Lynn, Massachusetts to Sterling and Louise Rand. She was the third of 4 children. Sterling, Dolly, Sally and Marlene. Upon completing high school, her family moved to Tampa, Florida. Here she soon met and married David Barrs. During the next 26 years they shared a life together and brought three children into the world. David, Michael and Joyce. They made a life together in the Air Force and lived overseas for 9 years. Africa (3), Turkey (2) England (4). Also many bases around the states. She was a resilient person and took to the traveling life well. They left the military and returned to Tampa in 1973. They divorced in 1981.

Between marriages Sally moved to Pensacola where she was employed as a live in care giver for an elderly couple. She soon became family. After several years she moved back to Tampa. As a highly religious person she joined the East Thonotosassa Baptist Church. It was here that she met her second husband Jack Okerson. They lived a simple life together for 28 years. They loved to travel the country together camping in their van in parks. They also traveled to visit family and friends. Sally loved her church and ran a church library and their life centered on their church community. Just prior to Jacks death Sally moved into Tampa Lakes for health reasons.

Sally loved her family. She was always there for them. She lived a simple life and anything more than basic was “fancy” in her book and not anything she cared about. Her main focus was always family. She just wanted their love, their time and nothing else. She loved to visit and play games. She was very sharp and was intense about her game playing. She was all in when it came to family and they loved her for it. We’re a family of card givers because of her. She would spent hours coloring cards to give to family and friends. She knitted and sewed and made quilts and beautiful Afghans for her family that will be cherished for life.

People liked Sally because she was a loving caring person. As her memory failed she kept a list next to her bed of people she loved and prayed for every day. She didn’t want to chance forgetting anyone. During her last days her children were grateful to see the outpouring of love from friends and people around her. A steady stream of visitors came to say hello and goodbye and to share their stories and memories of Sally. They sat with her, brought little mementoes, held her hand and prayed with her, sang to her and just continued an outpouring of love that showed how much she had meant to people. Her daughter Joyce called her every night. Mom would not hang up until she heard the following words. “Hugs and kisses and all those good things. Rainbows and Unicorns and sweet dreams. Good night mom.” She was a beautiful sweet person who will be missed dearly.

Sally is survived by family members and their spouses,

Children: David Barrs (Karen), Joyce White (Robert)

Grandchildren: Michael Barrs (Brian Tucker) Jamie Hawk (Jonathon)

Great Grandchildren: Bryce Hawk, Lucas Hawk

Sally is predeceased by: Parents Sterling and Louise Rand

Siblings: Sterling Rand, Dolly Fettig, Marlene Farrand

Son: Michael Barrs

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.gardenofmemoriestampa.com for the Okerson family.