Barbara Joyce (Williams) Reece

Barbara Joyce Williams was born to Onzia Lee and John Williams, Sr. on June 26, 1941 in Haskell, TX. 

She met and married the love of her life, Donald Lee Reece on July 13, 1963. They lived in Abilene, TX and was the proud parents of 3 children. 

In 1978, she and Donald moved to New Waverly, TX.  During the course of her life she worked as an X-Ray Tech and Department Store Manager in Abilene as well as 25 years with the New Waverly ISD. She enjoyed her work and loved the students. This love encouraged her to become a Cheerleader sponsor for the Junior and Varsity Teams. The students loved her as much and often referred to her as “Mama Reece”. 

Her hobbies included being an avid and as some would say Champion Bid-Wiz Player. Barbara was often asked to be a model in various events due to her beauty and impeccable style.

Barbara accepted the Lord as her Saviour at an early age and was a member of the Usher Boards at Macedonia Baptist Church, Abilene, TX  and Jasper Missionary Baptist Church, New Waverly, TX. In addition, she was also a member of the Celestial Choir.

Donald was a dedicated and loving husband for 58 years and it was never more evident than over the last 17 years where he became her primary caretaker. His love for her led him how to learn to do her hair and makeup ensuring the style, grace and beauty that she possessed continued to shine.  She experienced a “True Unconditional Love”.

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, 2 brothers, 2 sisters and her son.

Her husband of 58 years, Donald; 2 daughters: Altus Williams and Debra McGriff, both of Grand Prairie, TX; 1 granddaughter they raised as their own: Kapricha Coffield, Houston, TX; 1 Sister: Lealtus Harris, Knox City, TX; 4 Sisters-in-Love: Essie Frazier, Trinity, TX, Cornelia Goffney (Booker), New Waverly, TX, Onita Jane Oliphant (Tobe), Huntsville, TX, Sherlyn Gonzales (Acadio), Houston, TX; 2 Brothers-in-Love: Thomas Ray Reece and Cade Reece, both of New Waverly, TX; 1 aunt: Mary Burnett; 1 Sister/Friend, Bobbie Price, Willis, TX, 8 Grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, 11 great-1; great grandchildren, a host of cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

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