Barbara Bunkley Shoemaker, age 83, died Thursday April 9th at Providence Hospital. From her birth in Mobile Infirmary in 1936, to her death on Thursday, she nourished people around her with love, faith, and joy.
A life-long resident of Mobile, Mrs. Shoemaker was the daughter of Eva Nell and Charles Westcott Bunkley Sr., and the older sister of Charles W. Bunkley Jr.
Mrs. Shoemaker graduated from Murphy H.S. in 1955, and went on to attend Livingston State College, where she met the love of her life and husband-to-be, Herman R. Shoemaker.
Mrs. Shoemaker earned her Bachelor’s degree in Education in August of 1958, and married Herman a few days later. Mrs. Shoemaker taught children in Mobile at several schools, such as St. Mark’s Methodist School, Elizabeth Fonde Elementary School, and Cottage Hill Baptist School.
It wasn’t until her first grandchild Jonathan was born in 1987, that she was given the nickname that stayed with her the rest of her life. Affectionately called “Memama” by her grandchildren, family, and close friends, the name became synonymous with unconditional love and a deep faith in God that was so often the strength that her family leaned on.
Mrs. Shoemaker is survived by her brother, Charles Bunkley Jr. (Carolyn), her daughters, Angela Santom (David) and Amanda Boyle (Brian), grandchildren Jonathan Koh, Caitlyn Sims, Savannah Crigler, and McKenzie Boyle, step-grandchildren Stephanee Santom and Andrew Santom, and four great-grandchildren, along with two nephews and a niece.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the University of Mobile, Herman R. and Barbara B. Shoemaker Scholarship Fund. Condolences may be offered at www.radneyfuneralhome-mobile.com.
A small private funeral for family members will be held.
