Barbara Susan Eubanks

Barbara Susan Wheeler Eubanks, known as Susie, passed away too soon. She was born in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma to Albert and Mercedes Wheeler, as the middle child of the five children. All born within eight years, the "Wheeler Kids" became their own little tribe with secret jokes and language, memorable holidays, and mischievous adventures, which became often-told family tales.

Susie was beautiful with her perfect heart-shaped face and petite figure. As a teenager, she and her cousin Denise competed in a beauty pageant. She had the voice of an angel singing with Denise in the Opening Hours Christian group and the church choir. She and Denise took voice lessons with Ceasar Ronconi. She grew up regularly attending church and was a member of Trinity Baptist Church and later she and her sons were members of Quail Springs Baptist Church. She never missed a summer at Falls Creek Baptist Assembly. She graduated from Northwest Classen High School in Oklahoma City in 1970. Susie married Gary Eubanks in 1977 and together they had two sons, Byron and Ben, born in 1980 and 1988.

She became a single mother and with the steadfast support of her family, raised her sons with overwhelming love. She valued her close lifelong relationship with her parents, who lived just a block away, ensuring Byron and Ben grew up in a caring, supportive Christian environment.

Susie's sharp intellect and steel trap memory were evident in her nightly triumphs over TV contestants on "Jeopardy!" Her sons, having absorbed many random facts from her, could have easily been contenders themselves. Susie found great joy in the arrival of her granddaughter, Jasmine, born to her son Byron and his partner Melissa. Along with joy, that year also brought sorrow as the family faced the sudden loss of Byron. Susie often saw Byron's spirit in Jasmine's beautiful green eyes.

Susie’s life was filled with love and support from her remaining son, Ben and her large extended family. She is preceded in death by her beloved parents, Albert and Mercedes Wheeler. When her parents became unable to care for themselves, Susie and her siblings provided 24/7 care for the last five years of their lives. Her cherished son, Byron, also preceded her in death. She leaves behind her loving son Ben and granddaughter Jasmine Eubanks of Oklahoma City, and her siblings Kathleen "Kat" Ryan (husband Derry) of Novato, CA, Elaine Huff Hobson of Norman, OK, Albert Wheeler (wife Kathy) of Puyallup, WA, and Janet Galloway of Norman, OK. She will also be missed by her niece, Aubrey McDermid (husband Anthony) of Okla. City, OK, and her nephews, Matthew Huff, Nick Ryan (wife Jenny) and Myles Ryan and great nephew Tate Hammontree and great niece Allison Hammontree, and many other close relatives. 

Susie had an incredible ability to remember every detail about her extensive family and cherished them all. She leaves behind a legacy of love, resilience, and treasured memories that will forever warm the hearts of her family and friends.

Rest in peace in Heaven, Susie. Your spirit and love continue to shine in the lives of those you touched.

Our deepest condolences to all who knew and loved her.