Barbara Jane (Sutton) Adams

Barbara Jane Adams, 88, of Stephenville, Texas, passed away on December 20, 2023.  She was predeceased by her parents James and Martha Sutton and her brother James “Jimmy” Sutton.  She is survived by her husband Frank Adams and children Frank “Skipper” Adams (Vicki), Cynthia “Cindy” Adams and Martha Lawler (Charles) along with grandchildren Melisa Southworth (Bryan), Chelsea Briscoe (Justin), great-grandchildren Brynden and Emma Southworth, Aniston and Harper Briscoe, Austin and Skylar Lawler and her sister Betty Sutton.

Born February 22, 1935 in Tyler, Texas, Barbara lived in Texas, Pennsylvania, Alabama and Missouri until her family moved to Arizona.  She graduated from Tucson High School and Cochise College, Douglas Arizona, where she earned her Registered Nursing degree.  She worked in the ER and ICU for many years at the Cochise County Hospital and finished her nursing career at Cochise College.

Barbara and Frank met at Tucson High and married on May 1, 1954.  They moved to Douglas, Arizona in 1956 when Frank began teaching vocational agriculture at Douglas High School, transitioning in 1978 to lead the Agriculture Department and Rodeo Teams at Cochise College.

Barbara’s life was one of love, hospitality, sacrifice and service.  She served as State President of Arizona Women’s Club, member of PEO in Douglas, Arizona and Charter Member of the Granbury, Texas Chapter.  Both organizations work toward providing young women with opportunities to achieve and advance in their lives.

Throughout her life, Barbara and Frank invited young men and women from high school and college into their homes to live and mentor.  During the holidays, she would invite the Cochise College Basketball players who could not go home, into their home for generous portions of love and delicious food.   Barbara’s Bed & Breakfast welcomed all, especially those in need.

Barbara loved books, bright colors, flowers, her garden and especially helping others, which she always did with a smile and tremendous love.  She was a loving and beloved wife, sister, mom, grandma and wonderful friend.

A worship service to celebrate Barbara’s life will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, February 9, 2024 at Erath County Cowboy Church, 4945 US-67, Stephenville, TX 76401.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Barbara may be made to PEO at:  donations.peointernational.org  or the Cochise College Rodeo Team Scholarship Fund, Douglas Arizona.