Sally Barbre McCoy

Sally Barbre McCoy, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on June 5, 2026, at the age of 94.

Sally was born on October 7, 1931, in Chicago, Illinois, to John and Helen Barbre. She was raised in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where she attended Barnard Elementary School and graduated from Central High School. She continued her education at Mills College in California and later at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, where she studied retail merchandising and earned a degree in business. While at SMU, she was a proud member of Pi Beta Phi.

On July 23, 1955, Sally married the love of her life, Jean Curtis McCoy. Together they established their home in Tulsa and built a life rich in family, friendship, faith, travel, and community. Sally enjoyed a successful career in commercial real estate and was actively involved in Tulsa through organizations including the Junior League of Tulsa. She was a devoted member of First Presbyterian Church and Southern Hills Country Club.

Sally embraced life with enthusiasm, curiosity, and an enduring sense of adventure. Throughout her life, she loved exploring the world around her and rarely passed up an opportunity for a new experience. She enjoyed traveling, cooking for family and friends, skiing, golfing, and horseback riding, pursuits that reflected her energy, independence, and zest for life. Whether embarking on a grand trip, hosting a meal, or spending time with friends, Sally approached life with joy and purpose. She maintained an active social life through gardening clubs, movie groups, bridge clubs, and countless friendships that enriched her life for decades.

Known affectionately as “Nah Nah” by her grandchildren, Sally was the heart of her family. She was a loving and devoted mother and grandmother who showed up for every milestone, celebration, performance, and accomplishment. Her family could always count on her encouragement, wisdom, and unwavering support. Nah Nah was never shy about sharing her opinions or offering advice—whether it was requested or not—and those conversations became some of the family's most cherished memories. She was immensely proud of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandson, celebrating their achievements with genuine joy. Her love was constant, her presence reassuring, and her influence immeasurable.

Sally was preceded in death by her husband, Jean Curtis McCoy; her parents, John and Helen Barbre; her brothers, Jack Barbre and Charles Barbre; her daughter, Janet McCoy Mercer; her daughter-in-law, Laura McCoy; and her niece, Susan Barbre.

She is survived by her sons, John C. McCoy and James B. McCoy and wife Susan; her grandson, John B. McCoy and wife Keely-Shaye McCoy; her great-grandson, Oliver McCoy; her granddaughters, Mackenzie McCoy, Mercedes Pierce and husband Nathan Pierce, Dr. Cassie McCoy and fiancé William Legourd, and Samantha McDaniel; her brother, Bob Barbre; her nephews, Bill Barbre and wife Betsy, and Chris Barbre; her nieces, Helen Stephens and husband John, and Carla Davie; and her lifelong best friend of 88 years, Liz Ellis.

Sally’s legacy is one of love, adventure, generosity, and steadfast devotion to family and friends. She lived fully, loved deeply, and enriched the lives of all who knew her. Her wisdom, warmth, and presence will be profoundly missed, but the memories she created and the values she instilled will continue to guide and inspire those she loved.

A memorial service celebrating Sally’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, June 29, 2026, at First Presbyterian Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma.