In Memoriam: Lifelong Area Resident, RBC Grad, St. James Teacher & Drama Director, Barbara Hollywood Oakerson, 79

Lifelong are resident and former teacher, Barbara Hollywood Oakerson died on Jan. 6 at Riverview Medical Center following a brief illness. She was 79.

“Barbara was a lifelong area resident who graduated from Red Bank Catholic High School and Glassboro State College (nownRowan University). She taught for a number of years in the Little Silver and Red Bank school districts, as well as returning to Saint James School in Red Bank (from where she graduated many years earlier). While at Saint James, she taught 7th and 8th grade English and directed the school’s drama program for 20 years.

“She had a great love of music and was a long-time member of the Saint 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.”
Loved ones of Barbara Hollywood Oakerson in her obituary

She is predeceased by: her parents, George and Cecilia Hollywood; and brothers, Drew and Douglas Hollywood.

She is survived by: her loving husband of 50 years, William C. Oakerson; and her beloved children, Leslie and Timothy.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, Jan. 12, from 2 to 5 p.m. at John E. Day Funeral Home in Red Bank. A funeral mass will be held on Monday, Jan. 13, at 11 a.m. at Saint James Roman Catholic Church in Red Bank.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Barbara’s memory to the Saint Joseph’s Indian School (https://give.stjo.org)or the Monmouth County SPCA (https://monmouthcountyspca.org). Both were causes dear to her heart.

— Edited obituary prepared by family via John E. Day Funeral Home