Barbara Jean Tyson

Barbara Jean Tyson was born December 28, 1934 in Durant, Oklahoma to Ralph Russell (Fuz) Tyson and Pluma Jewell (Troutt) Tyson. She is survived by her partner of 51 plus years, Violet Jeanne Harris and first cousins: Marilyn Sue Clem, Sherry Hoyt, Donna Dailey, and Cathy Roeser.

Barbara attended Durant High School and after graduation began her college education at Southeastern State College in Durant, later transferring to the Texas Womens’ University in Denton, TX. Upon graduation, she accepted a position as a GS5 at Nellis Air Force Base in Las Vegas, NV. Barbara changed her career path during that first year to accept a position at the Base elementary school as an eighth grade teacher. Little did she know how that change would set forward an important pattern for the rest of her career as an educator and coach for the next 23 years.

During those years, Barbara also completed two advanced degrees with a Masters in Physical Education and a Doctorate in Educational Administration. These advanced studies opened the door to her last position with an Educational Service Center in Fort Worth, TX where she remained until retirement from professional education.

Barbara was an entrepreneur and tried many new experiences in Alaska, Wisconsin, and Nevada. Then six years as a recreation department supervisor in North Las Vegas also provided an important opportunity for many creative ideas in sports, theater, and the Arts.

Upon retirement Barbara, always ready for a new challenge, acquired certification as a real estate broker, insurance agent, and as a licensed stock broker for mutual funds. After relocation to Oklahoma, an office was opened in LeFlore County and this array of financial services was made available to the public. The insurance business started with selling an auto policy to herself and lasted for ten years until a former associate purchased the insurance business. The real estate office remained open.

At their Shawnee Creek property south of Hodgen, Barbara and Jeanne became goat ranchers with a herd of 100 beautiful goats. Then in 2005, they decided to build a campground and developed the Talking Trees Resident Park. This area grew into a year round residential park providing affordable housing options.

In addition to her impressive professional and entrepreneurial accomplishments, her greatest achievements were by far, the personal interactions and relationships that she made. She recognized that indeed “we are all just walking each other home” and are on this earth to help each other best as we can along the way. And hopefully, maybe leave it a little better than we found it. Barbara positively impacted so many people in her lifetime.

Barbara had related many times that three great influences paved the path for her life:

(1) The most important was how lucky she was to have two parents who cared for her and provided a safe environment for her to grow and the encouragement to fully explore life.

(2) The second one came during her third grade year when a clarinet was purchased with the edict from her Mother that if they purchased this instrument she could not quit. It worked; she continued with band, orchestra, community bands, and provided private lessons for beginning clarinet students throughout her life. Music was her great influence, along with the rare good luck to be in the Durant High School band during the stellar years when Roy Weger took the band to the Tri-State Festival for four consecutive years to win the crown as the best band in three states. Barbara never failed to give Mr. Weger the credit for the gift of music that he gave her.

(3) The third influence was through an organization she joined during her fourth grade year. Camp Fire Girls Inc. provided the type of influence many young people need for reinforcement of principles taught by family. These principles became strong building blocks that Barbara would extend to the many other youth groups through sports and her volunteer work in theater and music. CFG leaders and her camp fire sisters became a lifelong extended family. “ WO HE LO” is the watch word that stands for work, health, and love.

Barbara absolutely paid it forward. She recognized what had been done for her and continued and amplified that toward so many of those that crossed her path. Barbara was an encourager; she knew there was enough negative in the world and was always everyone’s biggest cheerleader. Although no children by DNA, she has multi-generational “children” (now many with grandchildren of their own) that she loved, assisted and encouraged throughout her lifetime. As one former student said, she always believed in you, more than you believed in yourself. She instilled confidence and made you believe it was indeed possible.

Babs was always “a woman on a mission” and as her missions were accomplished, new causes were started. Whether it be a historical site, tourism development, children’s activity group, or the GED program for her “neighbors” at the nearby correctional facility, she consistently brought her enthusiasm, persistence and hard word to make it a reality. She was indeed, a force to be reckoned with, and seldom took “no” as an answer, when she felt the issue was important and needed.

A friend once brought her a bumper sticker that said “well-behaved women seldom make history” which she proudly displayed in her office; for she was not afraid to challenge the roles and statuses traditionally assigned to women. Barbara worked to expand opportunities for female athletes long before the passage of Title IX. One of her former students provided details of all she did in the 1960’s to help her girls compete. She facilitated and coached six different sports programs for girls at the high school. She came to work early, stayed late and was frequently there on weekends without extra pay. She organized bake sales and car washes to raise money to pay for equipment and uniforms because the school did not provide. She cajoled parents into providing transportation to games and track meets. If a team member missed the bus staying late for practice, she provided them a safe ride home. In addition to the high school, she would organize track meets for the junior high and elementary school as well, so the younger girls would have opportunity as well. She persuasively talked other teachers into helping too. The existence of female sports teams in that school system existed solely because of her. As the 1970’s approached and Title IX, which prohibited discrimination on the basis of gender in education and activities that receive federal assistance, became more of a real legal issue, she worked tirelessly to assist in its passage. In 1972 it became law. Fifty years later, female athletes of today owe much to Babs and others who strived to level the playing field for them.

Even now, decades after playing for her, her former players still lovingly call her “Coach” in demonstration of her dedication and enduring support. As one of her former students said, what she taught them on the court was not as important as what she taught them about life. Coach made them stronger, more giving individuals. She gave them the fortitude to continue when things are difficult and to believe in themselves when others doubt. Coach made their lives better.

True to her Native American heritage, Barbara believed she was part of the universe, and she is now part of all nature--with a life force that will return to star dust and live on as part of the Cosmos.

You have run your race Coach, we will continue to run ours.