Barbara Shivers

On Friday morning, July 25, 2025, Barbara Evelyn Walls Shivers, widow, loving mother and grandmother, peacefully went to be with the Lord, at age 92.

Barbara was born in Charlotte, North Carolina, June 22, 1933. Her parents were Thomas and Sally Walls. She earned her bachelor's degree from Talladega College, in Alabama, in 1954 and her master's degree in education from Columbia University, in New York, in 1960. Barbara was a charter member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Zeta Mu Omega chapter at Talladega College. After graduating from Columbia University, Barbara began her teaching career at Lincoln High School in Kings Mountain, North Carolina.

Barbara had a dedication to service and music. Known for her soprano voice, she would sing for weddings and events. She also performed and hosted benefit teas.

Barbara married William J. Shivers, Jr., on August 19, 1960. She was an Air Force wife, who traveled and lived all over the world, including, Turkey, Spain, Greece, North Dakota, Washington D.C., Maine, Iowa, New York, Maryland, and Oklahoma. Barbara and William, (Billy), raised two children, Rodney and Inga.

Barbara also enjoyed needlepointing, crocheting, and knitting.

Barbara taught science all over the world for more than 35 years. In 1980, she was hired at Monroney Junior High, in Midwest City, Oklahoma, where she was the first African American teacher. Barbara received numerous teaching awards and during the 1993-1994 school year, she was awarded "Teacher of the Year" at Monroney.

Toward the end of her teaching career, she followed her passion and started selling real estate. After retiring from teaching in 1995, she sold real estate full-time. In 1997, she earned the Midwest City-Del City Association of Realtors, "Realtor of the Year" award.

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents Thomas and Sally Walls, biological mother Martha Rucker Reese, siblings Dorothy Rucker Reid, Marshall Gillespie Rucker, Cassie Howie, James Walls, Oscar (Tut) Walls, Marion Walls, husband Billy Shivers, and son, Dr. Rodney Shivers. Barbara is survived by daughter, Inga Shivers, daughter-in-law, Lathonya Shivers, grandsons, Nicholas and Vincent Shivers, nephews Clayton and Marcus Reid, niece Deborah Reid, and Goddaughter Patricia Walton.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, August 2, 2025, at First Baptist Church of Midwest City, 705 E. Rickenbacker Dr., Midwest City, OK 73110, at 10:00 a.m. The viewings will be Thursday, July 31, noon to 8pm and Friday, August 1, 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Barnes-Friederich and Pope, Funeral Home at 1820 S. Douglas Blvd, Midwest City, Oklahoma. A graveside service will occur following the funeral at Sunny Lane Cemetery, in Del City.