BARBARA JESSIE RIVERS CHAMBERS

Barbara Jessie Chambers, longtime resident of Ponca City, passed away Monday, May 16, 2005. She was 91.
The funeral will be held Friday, May 20, at 10 a.m. at Grace Memorial Chapel with the Rev. Dr. Diana C. Leaf, associate pastor of First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), officiating. Interment will follow at Resthaven Memorial Park Cemetery.
Barbara was born Sept. 8, 1913, in Morrison, the daughter of William T. Rivers and Jessie E. Tilford Rivers. The family moved to Edmond when Barbara was 2 1/2 years old. She lived in Edmond for the duration of her childhood, graduating from Central State Teachers College (currently the University of Central Oklahoma) in the spring of 1933. Barbara graduated at the age of 19 with teaching degrees in mathematics and physical education. While at CSTC, Barbara enjoyed and excelled at swimming, tennis and field hockey.
In the fall of 1933, Barbara moved to Fletcher, where she began her teaching career. It was during this time that Barbara earned a master's degree in math from the University of Oklahoma.
She was united in marriage to Irl T. Chambers on March 25, 1951, in New Orleans, La. They made their home together in Ponca City. Barbara began teaching for the Ponca City Public School System in 1943 and continued until she retired in 1981 after 48 years dedicated to teaching.
Following her teaching career, Barbara served the community by volunteering at the Ponca City Library and the Ponca City Hospital, and as an active member of DAR and AAUW.
Barbara is survived by her two sons, Keith Chambers of Tulsa and Mark Chambers and wife Tammie of Corpus Christi, Texas; two grandsons, Daniel Chambers and Matthew Chambers; two nephews, Ronald Rivers of Katy, Texas, and Warren Rivers of Ponca City; one niece, Beth Rivers of Grand Junction, Colo.; and other great nieces and nephews. Barbara will always be remembered for her immense love for her family and passion for teaching.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Irl, on Sept. 9, 1989, and 12 brothers and sisters.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Sunshine Cottage School for Deaf Children, 103 Tuleta, San Antonio, Texas 78212.