Toni was born on August 12, 1950, in Hugo, Oklahoma, to James Ervin Strickland and Joel Lousie Dossett Strickland and from that moment, her spirit radiated warmth, kindness, and an unwavering love for life. She had an infectious smile, a generous heart, and an incredible ability to make everyone around her feel cherished. Her family, especially, was the center of her world. She lived her life with grace, compassion, and devotion, ever eager to offer her love, her time, and her nurturing presence to those she held dear.
Toni faithfully served her community as the Tax Assessor Collector for more than 20 years before retiring to do what she loved most—spending precious time with her family, enjoying the simple joys of life, and embracing each day with gratitude and love.
A woman of simple joys, Toni found her happiness in the little things—swimming on warm afternoons, tending to her garden and flower beds, always having a fresh manicure, and most importantly, spending time with her family. She also loved the beach, where the sound of the waves brought her peace, and was a frequent visitor to the movies. No matter where life took her, Toni was always surrounded by her family, creating memories that will be treasured forever.
Toni was welcomed at the gates of heaven by her parents, her beloved sister and brother-in-law LouAnn and Billy Wayne Karr, and her precious son, Jamie Barron. These losses were the hardest moments of her life, but she faced them with a strength that now serves as an inspiration to all who knew her.
Survivors include her husband, Bo Barron of Simms, Texas; one daughter-in-law, Lisa Barron of New Boston, Texas; one son and daughter-in-law, Chad and Lori Barron of West Frankfort, Illinois; one daughter and son-in-law, Ashley and Erik Eaves of Simms, Texas; 13 grandchildren, Suede Barron and wife Sydney, Sydney Barron, Spencer Barron and Daulton, Jason Barron and Brandi, Karley Barron, Connor Barron and wife Hope, Jaycee Eaves and Tano, Brayden Eaves, Madyann Eaves, and Ellee Eaves, Ryan Buckingham, Makayla Buckingham and husband Seth, Jaidyn Caraway-Short and husband Lane; 10 great-grandchildren, Maci, Bennett, Raylei, Teagan, Julian, Matteo, Ellis, Kirk, Aviana, and Sophia; two special nephews and one niece, Kim Karr, Karry Karr, and Angela Ritchie; one special dog, Libby; and numerous relatives and friends.
Her laughter, her love, and her generosity will forever echo in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing her. Toni’s legacy lives on through the generations that she created and has left behind countless memories shared by all who loved her.
The family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Tuesday, September 23, 2025 at Harrison Funeral Home in Naples, Texas. Funeral services will be at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, September 24, 2025 at Siloam Baptist Church in Simms with Rev. Justin King officiating. Interment will follow at Sand Hill Cemetery in Simms.
