Gary, Barbara (Pickett)
Obituary
Barbara was born in Sulphur, LA on August 19, 1955 the 6th of 9 siblings raised by Mary and Warren Pickett in Vinton, LA. She attended Saint Joseph Catholic School in Vinton until it closed. During high school she was yearbook editor and class president. She graduated from Vinton High School in May 1973 and married her high school sweetheart, Michael, one month later in June. They went off to Kansas City, MO to live together as husband and wife. She worked briefly as a nurse’s aide, waitress and cash register attendant before pursuing her administrative career. She obtained her associates degree at Yuba College while Michael was in the Air Force and being transferred from one assignment to another. She enjoyed travel and was the first one packed when Michael received a new assignment. She visited and lived in several states as well as European countries to include time in England renewing her relationship with her mother’s side of the family. Every year she found work in the government sector on each air base assigned working as an executive assistant for Generals as well as 1st Sergeants. She had their first child in August 1983 right before Michael was leaving the military. She went into labor on her birthday but missed having Cynthia by just a few hours. After leaving the military she settled down in Round Rock, TX and started a new career for the IRS in Austin as a tax consultant. She then moved to Rowlett, TX where she lived until the end. While there she made a home and had her second child, Lisa, in October 1987. She was very involved in her girls’ education, had them attend catholic schools as she did, and spent time guiding young women to be the best they can as an assistant Girl Scout troop leader. She continued her education while in Rowlett and became a degreed Professional Court Reporter. She never wanted to work in the court system but wanted to use this skill set in her administrative line of work. She worked for leading tax lawyers and CEO’s until moving into her final job of Benefits Advisor helping people find the right retirement medical plans. She worked from home in this last position and enjoyed not dealing with the Dallas area commute. Barbara enjoyed traveling, games of chance, gardening, canning, raising chickens, cheering on the Cowboys and Mavericks, reading and being the best grandma in the world to her 5 grandkids. She was married 46 years and as the matriarch of her immediate family guided her girls and grandchildren to be strong, graceful, and independent. Just after her 64th birthday in August 2019 she was diagnosed with Glioblastoma Multiforme, a rare aggressive brain cancer that ultimately took her life in less than 4 short months from first symptoms. Even while the disease progressed, she found strength in her holistic beliefs and always kept a positive attitude in that she would fight this disease without radiation or chemo therapy. Her smiling face and caring heart will be missed by all. She is immediately survived by her husband Michael, daughters Cynthia and Lisa and grandchildren Bella, Austin, Hope, Jaxson and Kirk Jr, and numerous extended family including uncles, brothers, sisters, cousins, nieces, nephews, and godchildren. A special Mass will be held at St. Joseph Church on January 4, 2020 at 11am in her hometown of Vinton, La. In lieu of flowers the family requests you consider a donation to the American Brain Tumor Association in Barbara’s name which can be made online at www.abta.org.
_____________________________________ A Signature Service under the direction of: Aria Cremation Service & Funeral Home 10116 E. Northwest Highway Dallas, Texas 75238 214-340-8008
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What a lovely tribute to your Mom. Prayers for your family.
What a beautiful tribute to a full life. I’m very sorry for your loss and hope that the many memories you shared will be blessings in the days ahead.
Barbara was one of the sweetest people. Our prayers are with the family. She was truly a gem.
Dear Lisa and Family,
We are so sorry to hear of the loss of your mom. Even though it has been years thoughts flash back to the many good times when you were at Good Shepherd. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers during this time. We know your mom is now resting in the loving arms of Jesus and is at peace in her heavenly home. Love Joe and Kathy Walshe
I’m so sadden at your loss. May God be with all of you during this time