Barbara Ann Owens

Barbara Owens, a pillar of selflessness and courage, left a legacy of love and pure honesty when she passed away in the comfort of her home, in the care of her husband in White Oak, TX, on February 1, 2025, at the age of 83. She was born on November 20, 1941, in the city of Sulphur Springs, TX.

Barbara is preceded by both parents; Leon and Melva Martin; Aunt (Fee), Charlene Eubank; and her sister, Carolyn Kay Martin Kimbrell.

Barbara is survived by her best friend and husband, James Owens; her two children, Jeffery (Tanya) Crump and Christopher Crump; granddaughter, Gabrielle Owens; grandson, Timothy (Ashley) Vail; five great grandchildren, Tyson, Cameron, Gage, Sadie, and Avery; Barbara was the eldest sibling to sisters, Linda (Danny) Trammel, Judy (Mike) Pyle, and her brother Randy (Tretha) Martin. She was the family matriarch, holding the knowledge and history for all of them.

On Nov. 3, 1973, Barbara and James were pronounced "husband and wife". Together they built a happy life, showering the five children they raised over the course of their 51 years with selfless unconditional love. One detail of their relationship remained constant from the day they met until her last day, they were soulmates. This aspect of their relationship shows that love is not a feeling. It is an ongoing negotiation, a delicate balance of giving and taking. Their wedding vows may have been traditional, "...through sickness and in health...", but they were never broken. Barbara received nothing less than what was vowed to her from her loving husband.

To know Barbara, was to know the definition of transparency - brazen with a smile but always delivered with an undoubting love. Her passion in life was without a doubt, her family. She looked forward to holidays, anticipating the gathering of her family. At home, she was dedicated to nurturing her flower gardens. The love of growth and nurturing extended far beyond her garden. She volunteered countless hours serving the senior community, with Meals On Wheels. Barbara's commitment to ensuring that the elders in her community were cared for spoke volumes about her character. Along with helping the elders, she also assisted the children of our community volunteering at White Oak ISD, when needed.

Barbara did all of these selfless things because she wanted to. And her will was one of the strongest forces that kept her in our lives. She didn't do anything the way she was expected to; she did it how she wanted to...always.

Today, as we celebrate Barbara's life, let us carry forward her legacy of selflessness and courage. Let us be inspired by her dedication to others, and let us honor her memory by embodying the values she held dear. Barbara Ann Owens may have departed from this world, but the light she kindled in the lives of her family, friends, and community will shine on, guiding us toward a path of compassion and kindness for generations to come.

A Life Celebration Funeral will be held for Barbara on Friday, February 7, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. at The Cammack Family, Welch Funeral Home in Longview, Texas. A time of visitation will be held on Thursday, February 6, 2025 from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. in the Cammack Family's Garden Court.