Barbara Maxine Hairrell

Our beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend, Barbara Maxine Hairrell, entered this world on August 11, 1943, in Lane, Oklahoma, born to Thomas Bailey and Syble Leonora Faulkenberry Sanders. The second of eight children. On October 12, 2025, she peacefully departed this life at home in Clayton, Oklahoma, surrounded by the love of her family.
Barbara spent her early years in Lane before her family moved to Clayton, where she would create a lifetime of memories. It was in Clayton that she met and married the love of her life, Jerry Hairrell, on May 28, 1961. Together, they built a home filled with love and laughter for 26 years, until Jerry's passing. Their union was blessed with five children.
A proud graduate of Clayton High School, class of 1961, Barbara pursued her passion for education at Eastern Oklahoma State College and later at East Central University, where she earned her teaching degree and a master's degree in counseling. Mom was very honored to be selected to join Phi Theta Kappa. She began her career teaching high school English at Buffalo Valley, where she touched countless lives, inspiring and guiding her students until her retirement.
Barbara's greatest joys came from her family. She was a devoted mother who cherished watching her children and grandchildren participate in sports and school activities, always celebrating their achievements and milestones. An accomplished seamstress and tailor, Barbara sewed for many in both Broken Arrow and Clayton, sharing her talent and creativity with her community. She also enjoyed traveling, especially the annual sister's trips, a cherished tradition she kept as long as she was able.
Barbara is survived by her children: Sheila and Shawn Woelk of Westin Lakes, Texas; Jerry and Autumn Hairrell of Clayton; Janette and Ronny Henry of Sardis; Thomas and Jennifer Hairrell of Clayton; and Patrick and Angie Hairrell of Clayton. She is also survived by her sisters: Pat Joslin of Antlers, Oklahoma; Mary and Gerald Poe of Lovington, New Mexico; Sue and Paul Alexander of Tecumseh, Oklahoma; Darlene Howze of Stigler, Oklahoma; and her brother Wayne Sanders of Clayton, Oklahoma; sister in law, Betty Sanders of Clayton. Barbara leaves behind 16 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild, many nieces and nephews, cousins and countless friends.
She was preceded in death by her devoted husband, Jerry Hairrell; grandson, Dustin Henry; great-granddaughter, Cholie Whitley; her parents; brother, Cecil Sanders; sister, Dian Harris; her in-laws, Dutch and Ollie Hairrell; and brothers-in-law, Harvey Joslin, John Walker, Gerald Howze, Tim Harris and Earl W. (Sonny) Hairrell.
Visitation will be on Friday, October 17th, 2025 from 4:00PM to 6:00PM at McCarn Funeral Chapel in Clayton, Oklahoma.
A service to celebrate Barbara's remarkable life will be held on Saturday, October 18, 2025, at 2pm at the Church of Christ in Clayton, Oklahoma. Services will be conducted by Brent Franks, with interment following at Pine Spur Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be Barbara's nephews: Stewart and Chris Joslin, Jason Poe, John Walker, Jeremy Howze and Patrick and Michael Sanders
Honorary Pallbearers: Darrell Dougherty, Jimmy Dougherty and Tom Lucas
Barbara's legacy of love, kindness, and dedication will remain forever in the hearts of all who knew her.