Barbara Jean (O'Neal) Canfield

Barbara Jean Canfield, nee O'Neal, passed on Friday, January 20, 2023, at the age of 90.  She was born on November 16, 1932, in Elkins, Arkansas, to Oliver and Katy O'Neal. 

She was preceded in death by her parents; twelve brothers and sisters; her husband, Johnny Max Canfield; one son, John Max Canfield; and one daughter-in-law, Willa Jo Canfield.  She is survived by sons and daughters-in-law, Tom Canfield of Norman, Oklahoma, Robert Canfield and wife Sidney of Surfside Beach, Texas, Dawn Canfield of Oxnard, California, David Canfield and wife Stephanie of Columbia, South Carolina, Dan Canfield and wife Eve of Sacramento, California; daughter and son-in-law, Jillian Elaine Vroenen and husband Matt of Moore; four granddaughters; six great granddaughters; and two great grandsons.

Barbara married John Canfield in 1950, and they spent their early married life in Fayetteville, Arkansas; Albuquerque, Las Cruces and Los Alamos New Mexico before settling in Norman, Oklahoma, where John taught at the University of Oklahoma.  Barbara and John were great believers of education.  In 1967, Barbara realized she needed a job to help send her five sons to college.  She had previously volunteered with "New Sooners" and showed prospective young college professors and families around Norman.  She enjoyed that, so she called the Oklahoma Real Estate Commission and started studying for a real estate license.  That began a 50-year career as a real estate broker in Norman and earned several awards, including Realtor of the year and a lifetime achievement award from the Norman Board of Realtors.  Barbara enjoyed helping people find the house that fits, and even after retirement would contact old customers and remind them to unhook their water hoses before a freeze.  She took great pride in her yard and gardens and would enjoy sitting on her back patio looking at her flowers.  

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital at www.stjude.org.