Barbara Cummings

Barbara Fisher Cummings passed away January 22, 2014. She had lived in Austin since 1961. Barbara was born in Weslaco, Texas on May 23, 1927. Over the years, she enjoyed recalling her times as a child riding horseback through the blue flowers of her father’s flax field. More happy stories spoke of family and friends spending time together on The Island and Laguna Madre.

During the last years of World War II, she began college at the University of Texas as a Journalism major. While there she became a life long member of Phi Mu sorority. In 1946, she married her high school sweetheart, L. Darrell Cummings. Together, they had three children, Carol, Robert, and John. After moving to Austin in ’61, she began her upper division studies at University of Texas focusing on Texas History. This led her to an abiding interest in the study of Texas German furniture. After graduation, Barbara became a life long member of the Texas State Historical Association. For a time, Barbara taught history for Austin Independent School District, but changed her career to Editor circa 1970. She worked for UT Press until her retirement in the late 1990’s.

Most important to her over the last thirty years has been her membership with Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd in Austin. They have provided love and strength when she needed it most. Barbara is survived by her children Carol Cummings, Robert Cummings, John and Mandy Cummings. Two grandchildren, Larkin Cummings and Tristan Mendoza also survive her.

Funeral services will be conducted at eleven o’clock in the morning on Monday, the 27th of January 2014, at Church of the Good Shepherd, 3201 Windsor Road, Austin, Texas. Interment will follow in Austin Memorial Park Cemetery.

Condolences may be sent to www.cookwaldenfuneralhome.com.