Barbara Nell Divin

Barbara was born October 20, 1931 in Houston, Texas to Helen Bigler Rogers and Samuel Lee Rogers. She attended Jefferson Davis High School. She married Johnnie Divin in 1948 and lived in the Houston area, moving to their last residence in Jersey Village in 1974. She moved to Dallas to be near her son in October 2021 after celebrating her 90th birthday with a dinner for 65 (she invited 85).

Barbara was a devout Christian and a member of Jersey Village Baptist Church where she enjoyed singing in the choir into her mid 80’s. She had a long career with Sears Roebuck & Co, where she worked her way up to a regional executive as a merchandise manager, traveling often to the Sears Tower in Chicago for business over the years. She then went to work for Foleys in the mid 80’s to sell furniture and was top salesperson for many years before retiring. She was a member of the Sears Retiree Club and served as President for many years, organizing dinners and social events.

Preceding her in death was her husband, Johnnie. Also preceding her in death were her parents, four brothers (Howard, Donald, Curtis, and Richard) and three sisters (Beverly, Louise, and Evelyn). Survivors include her only child, Michael Divin and wife Kristi of Dallas, TX and her grandchildren Michael Divin II of Dallas, TX, Jonathan Divin of Durango, CO, Blair Dietz Smith and husband Cody of Prosper, TX, and Tyler Dietz and wife Chantel of Washington, DC. She had one great granddaughter, Ariana who shared “mawmaw’s” same birth date. She is also survived by countless extended family members and dear friends.

Barbara and her sister Evelyn were very close throughout their long lives (93 and 94) and kept a very large family close as they were the matriarchs of the family. Their relationship was marked by deep affection and constant communication, speaking six to seven times a day. While they occasionally disagreed, their connection was unwavering as they always quickly returned to warmth and understanding – a shining example of familial love. They would watch the Astros in different cities and phone each other to make sure they just saw that homerun or double play. When Evelyn passed away a year ago, Barbara never was the same and I am sure they are telling everyone in heaven how it should be done.

Services will be at Forest Park Westheimer Funeral Home and Cemetery (12800 Westheimer Road) in Houston, TX on Thursday May 15th with visitation being from 1 to 2 PM followed by a service and burial from 2 to 3 PM. A catered reception follows with light dinner (sandwiches, fruit, salad, beverages and dessert) at the funeral home.

Serving as pallbearers will be Michael Divin II, Jonathan Divin, Tyler Dietz, Cody Smith, John Hon, and Larry Duyka.

The family would like to recognize all the love and great care given to mom by the dedicated caregivers we had over the last 8 months including Janet, Tina, Susan, Aziza, Leila, and Huria.