Sarah King

Sarah Barnoskie King passed from this life on Thursday, December 12, 2013 in Muskogee, Oklahoma. She was born October 21, 1917, in Evening Shade, Oklahoma. She was the daughter of Sutteer Barnoskie and Kahheetah Stiffness Barnoskie. She was married to Jackson King of Okmulgee. She is survived by a sister Polly Patterson of Skiatook, Oklahoma. She was preceded in death by her husband Jackson King; two brothers Adam Barnoskie and Harley Barnoskie; five sisters Katie Bowlegs, Ester Harjo, Wynema Scott, Nancy Barnoskie, and Susannah Factor. “Aunt Sarah” was a role model for health and education to all that knew her. She tackled enormous challenges that were especially difficult during her era, and her success is an inspiration to us all. She spoke proudly of attending Dwight Mission and Bacone School where she earned her high school degree; and later a Bachelor’s from Northeastern State College. She later taught school in Branson, Missouri and Blackgum, Oklahoma where her students were motivated by her passion for the arts. Most importantly she was a model to nieces and nephews that we meet challenges head-on. Sarah was the first of her family to own an automobile. Many from Evening Shade can recall Sarah’s Ford Model A as being their first ever car ride or drive! There is little doubt that her longevity was attributed to her healthy eating and active lifestyle. Her horticultural skills were admired, as she always seemed to be the first to have the most delicious new potatoes every spring! Her active lifestyle might be characterized as being a hot-shot with a 22 rifle with a skillset to land either squirrels or deer (a very long time ago) that added food to our tables. She was a fanatic for sports and was herself quite an athlete. She loved taking her nieces and nephews fishing for perch and catfish at Greenleaf Creek. Although an avid hunter, she had a unique relationship with her pets and livestock, growing healthy, vibrant animals that seemed to communicate only to her. Finally, Sarah and her late husband Jack supported their Christian church while having deepest respect and love for Traditional Creek and Cherokee spiritual beliefs. She believed in Jesus Christ as her savior and is now with Jack in heaven. She was a remarkably strong and independent Indian woman; Her life was inspiring and she will be missed.

Sarah King

October 21, 1923 - December 12, 2013