Barbara Holiness

Barbara Ann Giddings was born February 28, 1947, to the parentage of Howard Giddings Sr. and Bobbie Brooks in Mexia, Limestone County, Texas. She was raised in a strong loving Christian household.

She graduated from Booker T. Washington High School, Dallas, Texas; Dallas Institute of Funeral Service, Dallas, Texas; and Texas College, Tyler, Texas.

Ambitious and motivated, she accepted a position as Funeral Director and Embalmer at Spalding Mortuaries - Tyler, Texas. She worked for Citizens Funeral Home, Longview, Texas. Over the years she worked freelance at several funeral homes in Tyler, East Texas, and the Dallas area. She was a licensed insurance agent and notary public.

Barbara was committed to a life of service and volunteering. These are only a few of her endeavors - Founder and President of Butler College Community Service Organization: Founder of the Butler College Community Garden; Deputy Voters Registration; Women Changing the World at Texas College; City of Tyler Parks and Recreation; Keep Tyler Beautiful; Senior Citizens on Patrol; PATH and a Pathfinders Award recipient.

Even as a resident in care facilities she did not sit idly by. She was elected President of the Residence Council-she was an advocate for nursing home residents. She worked closely with activity directors and organized holiday festivities, arts and crafts, and family events. She spoke on special topics such as black history, women's rights, and voter registration.

The one thing she was adamant about was Bible study. She read her Bible faithfully. She incorporated Bible study in the care facilities. When no one was available to teach, she would teach it herself.

Barbara gained her wings Saturday, September 11, 2021. She is preceded in death by her husband and love of her life of 27 years, James Holiness; granddaughter and angel: Charronda Fisher; parents: Howard, Sr. and Bobbie Giddings; two sisters: Wanda Lemons and Cassandra Giddings.

She leaves to cherish her memories three children: Ronald, Barronda, and Terrance Chase; stepdaughter: Vicki Holiness; six grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren; one sister: Betty Artis; one brother: Howard Giddings, Jr. (Vera), and a host of other family and friends who will miss her dearly.