Josephine Adams

Obituary for Alice "Josephine" Barker Adams

Alice Josephine Barker Adams, known lovingly as Josephine, passed away on August 22, 2025, just four days before her 84th birthday. She was born on August 26, 1941, in Kansas, Oklahoma, to Oscar D. Barker and Myrtle Torrence Barker.

Josephine grew up in Kansas, Oklahoma, where she graduated from high school in 1959. She proudly played basketball for the Kansas Comets and, during those years, met her lifelong best friend, Bonnie Webster Kitchell.

On June 23, 1962, Josephine married the love of her life, Paul J. Adams. They shared 53 years of marriage until Paul's passing in 2015. Together, they built a family rooted in love, laughter, and deep devotion.

In 1966, Josephine earned a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Oklahoma State University, a school she remained loyal to all her life. After a brief time living in St. Louis, Missouri, she and Paul settled in Moore, Oklahoma, where she worked for the Internal Revenue Service for over 30 years.

Josephine is survived by her sons, Michael D. Adams of Moore, OK, and Terry P. Adams and his wife, Vanessa, of Norman, OK; and by her cherished grandchildren, Mason Adams of Seattle, WA, Cale English of Norman, OK, and Kennedy Adams of Stillwater, OK. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Paul; her brothers, James and Donald Barker; and her sister, Jaunita Ward.

Josephine was a proud and loyal Oklahoma State Cowboy, rarely missing an OSU football game as a long-time season ticket holder. She found joy in her circle of dear friends, the "Ribbon Girls," with whom she shared countless years of fun, laughter, and companionship. Above all, she treasured time spent with her family, especially her grandchildren, who were the light of her life.

A private celebration of Josephine's life will be held later this fall when her grandson, Mason, can travel from Seattle.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the Oklahoma State University NIL collective, Pokes With a Purpose, in honor of Josephine's lifelong love of the Cowboys:

https://osumax.com/pokes-with-a-purpose