Barbara Harris Tolleson's Obituary
Barbara Harris Tolleson of Longview, Texas was born in Panola County, Texas on April 22, 1938, to Grady Harris and Syble Pitts Harris. She peacefully passed away June 8, 2025, with family by her side at Christus Good Shepherd hospital and entered into heaven. She suffered a stroke on June 4, 2025.
Barbara attended school in Tenaha and Houston, Tx before she and her parents moved to Longview, Texas in 1950. That was the year Barbara and her family became members of Mobberly Baptist Church. She graduated from Longview High School in 1955 and remained a loyal Lobo fan.
She attended BMI Business Institute and was employed as a Secretary and later became a top salesperson at JC Penney in the Longview Mall and a beauty consultant with BeautiControl Cosmetics.
Barbara and Joe V. Tolleson met in 1976 and married in 1979. Married 46 years together and remained deeply in love. They enjoyed attending and serving at church, traveling, playing card games and dominos with friends, spending time with family, and especially attending Lobo football and basketball games.
Barbara celebrated and enjoyed every holiday, decorating, cooking, crochet, sewing, attending school events of her many grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Barbara was fondly known as Mother, Mawmaw and Grandma by her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She had a special way of making each one feel uniquely loved. Her thoughtfulness and kindness shown in everything she did, especially in the way she gave gifts. She always seemed to know exactly what would bring a smile, making each birthday, holiday, or simple visit feel deeply personal and special.
As a member of Mobberly Baptist Church, she followed Jesus Christ and shared her faith with others. She had many hobbies and also a member of the prayer shawl ministry.
Barbara was preceded in death by her parents Grady and Syble Harris.
Her survivors include husband Joe V. Tolleson, son Kenneth Taylor of Longview, daughter Kimberly Taylor Davis and husband Jamie of Longview, stepson John D. Tolleson and wife Ginette, of Kingsport, Tn, stepson Joe D. Tolleson and wife Susan of Longview, sister in law Judy Stanley and husband Larry of Texarkana, Tx. Grandchildren Karrie Taylor, Ryan Taylor, Taylor Gray and wife Kayleigh, Allison Gentry and husband Eddie, Nicole Taylor, DeAnna Davis, Chris Davis and wife Allyson Kate, Trent Tolleson, Trey Tolleson, Kate Tolleson, and Jack Tolleson. 15 Great Grandchildren, many Cousins extended family members, precious friends and her church family.
She lived a beautiful life for 87 years. We will cherish each sweet memory of her.
Visitation at Rader Funeral Home in Longview, Tx Wednesday June 11, 2025 at 5:00 -7:00 pm. Life Celebration Service at Mobberly Baptist Church in Longview, Tx, June 12, 2025 at 10:00 am.
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