Barbara Gale Hood-Waller was a force of nature who embarked her final adventure, and transitioned out of her life peacefully on May 7, 2026 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Barbara was born on June 21, 1948 and was the middle child of the late Thomas Hood and Vina Jean Hood. Her only brother Lavander Hood preceded her in death.

Barbara and Kenneth "Turk' Waller were united at an early age and married 43 years. To their union a son was born Orlando 'Spud' Waller. Both Turk and Spud preceded her in death. They were the loves of her life.

Barbara was a member of Greater Jones Chapel AME Zion Church, Okmulgee, Oklahoma at a young age and rededicated her life to God during the early eighties. She was a faithful member and served in many positions such as Vice President of the Trustees Board, President of the Deaconess Board, District Youth Secretary of the Oklahoma Conference, Sunday School Superintendent, and Choir Director. She found joy in both her church family and singing in the choir. "She fought a good fight, she kept the faith and she won the race! Her favorite Scripture: Philippians 4:13: I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.—NKJV

Barbara's education started at Rosenwald and Banneker Elementary School and graduated from the Historic Dunbar High School in 1967. She attended the Dunbar marching band, playing the saxophone. She loved Home Economics, because she learned to sew and designed her own clothes. (She was really good at sewing). She continued her education at Oklahoma State Tech and earned her degree in 1970.

Barbara opened her daycare center during the 1980's and named it Kids Express, and continued until she retired and closed in 2012. She wanted all her kids to be happy, to chase their dreams and to live a full and prosperous life. She gave her heart and soul to her business and her kids. One of her biggest accomplishments were being Aunt 'Bob' or Aunt 'Barb' to many of her daycare kids. She wants to thank them for their care, love and giving her the chance to be in their lives.

Barbara's legacy of humor and perseverance will be carried forward by those who had the privilege of knowing her. She lived a life marked by compassion, strength and deep devotion to her family. She will be greatly missed and forever remembered. Barbara was the chairperson of her class of 1967, she was also a member of Dunbar School Alumni Committee, Secret Sister Club, and a member of The Red Hat Club.

Barbara is survived by her loving sister and caregiver, Darlene Hood-Alexander, two nephews, Chuck Alexander, Oklahoma City, OK and Duranne 'Tweet' Hood, Okmulgee, OK, two great nephews, Damien Walker, Aries Herrion and one great niece, Khloe'e Hood. Sister-In-law, Florence Turner, Okmulgee, OK, three brother-in-laws, Eugene Miles (Sandra) McAlester, OK, Dwane Watkins and Robert Tunley, both of Okmulgee, OK. She also leaves behind her special relatives: Inez Bird (Larry), Alisha Jones and Barbara Byrd, they stepped in and gave her a helping hand during the time she was in Oklahoma City, OK and a host nieces, nephews and friends.

A Home Going Service is scheduled, Saturday, May 16, 2026, 11:00 a.m., Greater Jones Chapel AME Zion Church, 1226 E. Smith Street, Okmulgee, OK; with Rev. Terrance Reed Sr., delivering the eulogy.

Interment is scheduled Monday, May 18, 2026, 10:00 a.m., Ft. Gibson National Cemetery, 1423 Cemetery Rd., Ft. Gibson, OK

FINAL VIEWING at Service only

The family has been cared for by House of Winn-Okmulgee