Barbara Hollywood Oakerson died Jan. 6, 2025, at Riverview Medical Center, following a brief illness.
She was predeceased by her parents, George and Cecilia Hollywood, and brothers Andrew and Douglas Hollywood.
Barbara was a lifelong area resident who graduated from Red Bank Catholic High School and Glassboro State College (now Rowan University). She taught for a number of years in the Little Silver and Red Bank school districts, as well as returning to St. James School in Red Bank (from where she graduated many years earlier). While at St. James, she taught seventh- and eighth-grade English and directed the school’s drama program for 20 years.
Surviving are her loving husband of 50 years, William C. Oakerson, and beloved children, Leslie and Timothy.
She had a great love of music and was a long-time member of the St. James Church Choir. She also had a passion for animals and nurtured many beloved dogs, cats and horses over the years. She will be greatly missed by many family members, friends and former students, all of whom meant the world to her.
Visitation was held Jan. 12 at John E. Day Funeral Home in Red Bank. A funeral Mass was held Jan. 13 at St. James Church in Red Bank.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Barbara’s memory to the St. Joseph’s Indian School at give.stjo.org or the Monmouth County SPCA at monmouthcountyspca.org. Both were causes dear to her heart.
The article originally appeared in the January 30 – February 6, 2025 print edition of The Two River Times.
