Barbara Stiles

Barbara Louise Stiles, age 81 of Lockwood, Missouri, passed away Wednesday, November 12, 2025 in Joplin, Missouri. She was born on May 30th, 1944 in Nevada Missouri, to Francis and Marie (Kennedy) Potts.  She was saved as a young girl at the age of 11, baptized and joined the Missionary Baptist Church.  Barbara attended grade school in Jerico Springs and graduated from Stockton High School in 1962. 

After high school, Barbara attended Springfield Draughon Business University.  From there Barbara went on to work for the Mark Twain National Forest office in downtown Springfield and then worked for the American Automobile Association planning trips and selling insurance.  

While living in Springfield, Barbara met a young man from Lockwood, Missouri, who was attending college.  After dating for a few years, she married Maurice Lee Stiles on January 3, 1965.  They honeymooned on the way to Virginia Beach, Virginia, where Maurice served his country in the United States Army for two years.  While in Virginia Beach, Barbara worked at the famous Cavalier Hotel, working for the golf club and assisting with the telephone switchboard.  

When Maurice and Barbara returned to Lockwood, she began working for Finley Engineering Co. in Lamar, Missouri.  After welcoming their two children, Barbara then went on to raise their children in the home, provided child care services, and assisted her aging parents and relatives throughout the years until her retirement.  

Barbara was an accomplished pianist and a wonderful singer.  She enjoyed playing piano and singing while attending Jerico Springs Missionary Baptist Church.  Barbara was a great cook. She taught cooking classes for 4-H and made her famous chili every winter.  She loved listening to gospel music and watching gospel programming.  She also enjoyed watching Wheel of Fortune and a select few other game shows.

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents;, her husband, Maurice, of 60 years; brother LaDon Potts and sister-in-law Sue Potts and their son, nephew Timothy Potts; sister-in-law Thelma Stiles and brother-in-law Russell Stiles.  

She is survived by daughter, Tina Tracy and husband, Michael, of Carl Junction; son Mark Stiles and wife, Julie, of Republic; grandchildren: Nikita, Amanda, Candace, Kendall, Landon and Katie; great-grandchildren: Reece, Abbigail, Caleb, Sophia, Jasmine, and Luka; also, nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

Visitation will be held Saturday, November 22, 2025 at 1 p.m. with the funeral service following at 2 p.m. at the Jerico Springs Missionary Baptist Church in Jerico Springs, Missori.  Graveside service will be at Anna Edna Cemetery at 19850 S 425 Rd in Jerico Springs, Missouri.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Jerico Springs Missionary Baptist Church  , c/o Lynette Stanley, 3200 E. 2100 Rd, Jerico Springs, MO 64756