Barbara Browning Barber's Obituary
Barbara Browning Barber of Longview, Texas peacefully entered heaven on May 12, 2025, at the age of 93.
Barbara Kate was born in Olney, Texas on August 23, 1931, to Thomas and Ada Boddie. She attended Witchita Falls High School in Texas where she met her first love George Gilbert Browning Jr. They married shortly after high school on September 10, 1948, sharing 50 years together and raising their two children, George Gilbert “Gil” III and Karen Elise.
Faith was an important part of Barbara’s life, and she was a longtime member of Oakland Heights Baptist Church. Barbara was a people person and enjoyed many friendships. As an adult, Barbara went to college and completed her LVN Degree. She then began her true calling which was ministering to people. She worked at various doctor’s offices and retired from Internal Medicine.
Besides loving people and enjoying many friendships, Barbara loved doing ceramics, playing games such as 42 and card games. She was a warm person, quite funny, and loved to make people laugh. She loved traveling and enjoyed water skiing and sightseeing. She was also an avid diet Dr. Pepper fan, and that determined where she wanted to travel.
After George’s tragic death, Barbara was blessed to meet another kind gentleman, Ray Barber of Austin. They married June 26, 1999. They enjoyed traveling and church activities. Ray and Barbara were active members of the Woodmen’s of America, and the World War II 446th Bomber Group reunions and became actively involved in supporting the Hiway 80 Rescue Mission. They had many good times together until Ray’s death.
Barbara Browning Barber was preceded in death by her parents; her two husbands, George Jr. and Ray; a stillborn child, Craig; and her brother Wayland T. Boddie.
She is survived by her two children Gil Browning and Karen (Harold) Gober, all of Longview. She is also survived by a step-grandson, Ranger (Pricilla) Wheeler and great-grandson Danny.
A graveside service will be held at Rosewood on Friday, May 16, 2025, at 10:30 AM.
The family would like to give special thanks to her caregiver, Mary Keener and her hospice nurse, L.B. Jordan.
The family kindly requests that donations be made in Barbara Browning Barber’s name to St. Jude’s, or the Hiway 80 Rescue Mission.
What’s your fondest memory of Barbara?
What’s a lesson you learned from Barbara?
Share a story where Barbara's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Barbara you’ll never forget.
How did Barbara make you smile?