Sue McCoy, a long-time member of the Barstow Senior Center,
recently celebrated 50 years of professionalism in the funeral industry.

Barbara Sue McCoy was born at home in Tulsa, Oklahoma on February 19, 1943. She was the
youngest child of Robert Lee and Dorothy Lee McCoy. Sue passed away Sunday, March 21,
2022, at Barstow Community Hospital, Barstow California.

She was preceded in death by her mother Dorothy Lee Shook, her step-father S.A. Shook, and
step-brother Ernie Shook. She is survived by her brothers and their wives, Harold and Neggie
McCoy of Bethany, OK; Don and Linda McCoy of Alva, Oklahoma; and her step-brothers and
wives, Winifred and Carolyn Shook of Pauls Valley, OK; and Carl and June Shook of Meeker,
OK; three nephews, Stephen, Kevin, and Casey McCoy, and their daughters, Jessica, Natasha,
Caitlin, and Caroline; eight step nieces/nephews, and many cousins and friends who loved her.

In 1944, Dorothy moved with her three children - Harold, Don, and Sue -- back to western
Oklahoma to be near her family. Sue attended school at Ocina and Delhi, and graduated from
Magnum High School in 1961. She was always athletic and played basketball and baseball at
which she excelled.

Although Sue knew from an early age that she wanted to pursue a
career in the funeral services industry, she worked for two years as an
apprentice at the Merritt Funeral Home in Bethany, Oklahoma. Having
this experience showed her that this was the career for her..

Sue attended the Califomia College of Mortuary Science in Los
Angeles, graduating in 1965, the only woman in a class of 80. At her
graduation, as she walked across the stage to receive her diploma, all of
her classmates gave her a standing ovation as recognition of her `
accomplishment in a field dominated by men at that time.

After graduation, Sue served an apprenticeship at the Price-Daniel
Funeral Home in West Los Angeles. At the end of her apprenticeship,
she was able to apply for, and receive her embalmer's license. Her goal
was to become a Funeral Director, but at that time in Califomia, you
had to be the manager of a funeral home before being allowed to apply
and test for the license.

Sue received her Funeral Director's license in 1978 when she
became the manager at the Gates, Kipgsley & Gates Funeral Home in
Canoga Park, CA. After several years, she went on to manage other
funeral homes to in lude Pierce Bros. in Canoga Park, CA and Bade
Mortuary in Tujunga, CA.

Sue came to manage Mead `Mortuary in Barstow in 2003, working
with many families and retiring in 2009. She spent a few years enjoying
her retirement, when another opportunity to be involved in the funeral
industry came her way.

Tom Runyon, a long time funeral professional had come to Barstow,
and was working to open a new funeral home. He was also looking for
someone with experience to work with him. Through the friend of a
ffiend, of a friend, he was able to meet Sue, and they have worked
together at the Highlands Funeral Home, serving the families of
Barstow.

Who says age slows you down? Not Sue!

Serving families as a Funeral Director was more than a career it was
her life and passion.

Sue was an avid sports fan. Her passion for sports was part of her person.
Her passion for OU Football was great and followed the graduates through-
out their careers in Pro Football. She loved baseball particularly the NY
Yankees. Micky Mantle was from Oklahoma so that's all it took for Sue.

Sue was active in the Barstow Women's Club. And was a member of the
Helendale Community Church in Helendale, CA. serving in the Food ministry,
and as an usher. She was involved in local community organizations throughout her
professional career. She was an active member of the Chamber of Commerce, Rotary Club,
Ladies Auxiliary, etc.

Her family was very important to her. She kept in weekly contact with her brothers, cousins and
aunts. She looked forward to attending her high school and cousins reunions over the years.
Another highlight was meeting her favorite singer, Vikki Carr, becoming close friends with Vikki
and her husband, and being active in the Vikki Carr Fan Club and attending many of her
concerts.

Visitation for Sue will be from 1pm to 5 pm. Friday March 25 at the
Highlands Funeral Home , 505 E. Williams St. and a service at 6pm on
Friday at the Redeeming Dreams Chapel across the street from the funeral Home with Pastor Alan Todd officiating.

A Celebration of her life will be on Saturday, April 2, 2022 at 2 pm at Spring Creek Baptist
Church in Willow, Oklahoma with Pastor Ben Van Vacter officiating. The Committal Service will follow at Willow Cemetery in Willow, Oklahoma.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Arthritis Association through the Greer Funeral
Home, 235 S. Pennsylvania Ave, Magnum, Oklahoma, or to the Helendale Community Church
through the Highlands Funeral Home, 505 E. Williams St., Barstow, California.

Sue McCoy will always be remembered for the tremendous compassion she gave to grieving families,.
And they could rely on the assurance that she would always provide "Sincere Service".

To send flowers to the family of Sue McCoy, please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.