Barbara Ann Chapman, 94, died February 25, 2026 following a brief illness. She was born in Durant, Oklahoma on September 4, 1931 to James Euclid and Margurette Lucille (Leach) McKinnis. She graduated from McAlester High School in 1949 and received a degree in Education from the University of Oklahoma in 1952. While a student at OU, Barbara was a member of Alpha Phi sorority. She married Eugene Wilson Chapman on August 16, 1952. Barbara received a Master of Science in Education from Indiana University. She taught English and History at the primary and secondary levels, as she and Gene adopted the corporate gypsy life, and made their home in seven states. Their later years were spent in Salt Lake City, Utah where Barbara was an active community volunteer. She was president of the University of Utah Hospital Auxiliary and was a member of the International Visitors Association, and Friendship Force of Utah. She was an active member of Christ United Methodist Church and served as United Methodist Women president, and assumed many other leadership roles. Barbara loved animals and supported many of their causes. She was a proud member of the University of Oklahoma Alumni Association and was a loyal Sooner sports fan. Barbara was an avid reader and loved to travel. She and Gene visited 55 countries around the world. The Chapmans moved to Tulsa, OK in 2003. Again, Barbara was active in St. John’s Hospital Auxiliary and Trinity United Methodist Church. She was a dedicated member of the Widow Widowers group and Lifters Sunday School Class at Christ United Methodist Church. Barbara deeply loved her God, her family, and her country.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 57 years, Eugene Chapman. Barbara is survived by daughters Leigh Jennings of Salt Lake City, UT and Lynn Berklacy of Tulsa, OK, son-in-law, Dr. Steven Berklacy; grandchildren, Amanda Jennings, Lara Jennings, Steven Berklacy II, Allyson Berklacy Domian (Tim), great-grandchildren, Annika Jennings Solt, Skyler Jennings Solt, Blaire Berklacy, Davis Domian, Andrew Domian, and Dr. Victor Neal, Barbara’s gentleman companion for a beloved 14 years and his entire extended family. Barbara touched countless lives with her generosity, constant love, warmth, kindness, and caring nature. She never met a stranger and welcomed all into her life, and home. Barbara will also be missed by too many friends to count around the world. A memorial celebration of Barbara’s life will be held at Christ Church on Harvard, 3515 South Harvard Avenue at 11 am on Friday, March 27, 2026. Interment at Rose Hill Cemetery, Oklahoma City, OK. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, 5001 Angel Canyon Road Kanab, UT 84741 (bestfriends.org) or Christ Church on Harvard (christchurchonharvard.org).

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