Barbara Jo Clifton Sims

Barbara Jo Clifton Sims, 90, of Amarillo, TX died peacefully on Saturday, May 31, 2025.

The memorial service will be at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, June 8, 2025, at Boxwell Brothers Ivy Chapel, 2800 Paramount Blvd.

Barbara was born in Amarillo, TX on December 18, 1934, to Alfred and Ona Maude (Watson) Nelson. She grew up in Amarillo and graduated high school from Amarillo High, and went on to get her Bachelors and Masters Degrees from West Texas State University (WTAMU) in Art. Barbara taught art at Frank Phillips College in Borger for many years. She had a passion for art, family, faith/church, music, and theater. One of the pinnacles of her art career was a painting titled God Bless America which was hung in the Texas state capital and was the cover of that year’s phone book. She also worked as a bridal consultant, salesperson for Talbot’s and Costume Director for the outdoor musical “Texas.” Barbara was always laughing, smiling, and having fun with most all aspects of her life. She never missed out on organizing and celebrating her family members’ birthdays and special occasions. She enjoyed many lifelong friendships.

In 1956, she married Bill Clifton. They lived in Trinidad, Colorado, Borger, Texas, Paducah, Texas and Childress, Texas. They were faithful/active members of the Baptist Church in all cities. They lived in and raised their children in an atmosphere of faith in God. They enjoyed camping, fishing, recreational activities, trips to Colorado, and raising their two sons Barrett and Craig. Their marriage concluded in 1984, and Bill passed away in 2019.

In 1993, Barbara married Fletcher Sims. They lived on a ranch just West of Canyon, Texas. They were faithful/active members of Faith Community Church in Canyon and active in the lives of their many grandchildren, whom they frequently hosted at their ranch. They traveled many places together in and outside of the US including a trip to Africa.

Barbara wrote and illustrated a children’s book titled, “God’s Children of the World.” Her book was used as an evangelical tool to reach out to children with the gospel of Jesus. Her artwork has a strong Christian theme and could be seen on the walls of her churches, homes, and many other local sites. Barbara was a faithful Christian, faithful wife and towards the end of Fletcher’s life, a faithful caregiver. Fletcher passed away in 2013.

Barbara spent the rest of her life living in Amarillo in her own house, an assisted living facility and ultimately passed away while living at Hillside Heights nursing home. She loved seeing her children and grandchildren as often as possible. In her later years, she attended Trinity Fellowship Church with her son’s family and First Baptist Church virtually. She loved to sing and worship Jesus.

Barbara was also preceded in death by her son, Barrett Clifton (2022) and daughter-in-law, Shelly Clifton.

Survivors include her son, Craig Clifton and wife Christina; grandchildren,

Caleb Chase Clifton, Isaac Clifton, Camdyn Clifton, Joey Clifton and wife Brandy, and Stevie Clifton; and great-grandchildren, Jaxsen Lane Clifton and Emma Jo Clifton.