She was born in Birmingham, Alabama on Jan. 11, 1929, to John Stober “Speedy” James and Parrie Dyer Blair James.

She moved to Corpus Christi in the sixth grade with her mother and brother, Robert Blair James. Barbara graduated from Miller High School in Corpus Christi and then graduated from Southwestern University in Georgetown in December 1949. She met her future husband, Bill Hartley, at Southwestern. Barbara moved to Columbus in 1949 and accepted a first grade teaching position where she taught for 20 years.

Barbara joined the First United Methodist Church in Columbus in 1950 where she was a member of the choir, served on various boards and committees for decades. She ran the Gulf Coast Regional Blood Bank Monthly Donation Center at the Methodist Church for 37 years.

Barbara was the chairman of Columbus Community of American Diabetes Association for 15 years. She contributed many hours to the Share Your Christmas Campaign at the First United Methodist Church.

Her husband Bill passed away on July 7, 2016, and they had three children: Dennis, Marsha, and Doak.

Barbara is survived by her children Dennis and wife, Linda of Columbus, Marsha and husband, Mark Frary of Spring, Doak and wife, Roxane of Columbus; grandchildren Matt Frary and wife, Brandi of Spring, Blair Hartley and wife, Tracy of San Marcos, Alison and husband, Daniel Duran of Lockhart, Parrie Hartley of Barcelona, Spain, and Heather and Kyle Huvar of Nada; great-grandchildren Kassidie, Khloie and Kenzie Frary, Tate and Kara Duran, Claira and Hank Hartley and great great-grandchild Jade Fay.

Barbara is preceded in death by her husband, Bill, her parents Speedy and Parrie James, and her brother, Blair James.

A private family service will be held at a later date.

The family requests that memorials be made to the Columbus Food Pantry, P.O. Box 1253, Columbus, TX 78934.

Online condolences may be given at www.hennekefuneralhome. com.