Barbara J. Handsborough

Barbara Jean was born on January 23, 1948, to Nathaniel Lewis and Myrtle Dabney Lewis in Houston, TX. She was the fifth of eight children; affectionately known by her loved ones as Sista or Sister. Barbara grew up in the Carverdale neighborhood in Houston, TX. She attended the local Carverdale elementary, middle, and high school. Barbara accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior at an early age and was baptized.

In 1970, Barbara married the love of her life, James Handsborough. Their union was blessed with three children: Jonathan, Samuel, and Tamara. Barbara was not just a loving wife, but also a homemaker who radiated warmth and care. Her nurturing spirit, a beacon of love and comfort, extended beyond her immediate family, as she also cared for numerous children and elderly in her family and community. Her kindness and delicious cooking were known to all who crossed her path, leaving a lasting impression of her warmth and care.

Throughout her lifetime, Barbara was a devout Christian who served the Lord in various ways. Her love for the Lord was evident in her actions, as she enjoyed sharing her blessings with others and being a blessing to others. Her faith was not just a belief, but a way of life, as she loved helping others, whether it was cooking, providing care, or spending time with them. Barbara had an uncanny ability to reach and connect with others deeply and spiritually, a testament to her dedication and love for others. She was truly a beloved soul who touched many lives.

Barbara departed this life on October 20, 2024, at the age of 76. She was preceded in death by her parents, Rev. Nathaniel Lewis and Myrtle Dabney Lewis; husband, James Handsborough; sister and brothers, Earnestine Alfred, Benny Lewis, and Elter Lewis; father-in-law, Jessie Handsborough; and brothers and sisters-in-law, Paul Handsborough, Doris ‘Jean’ Thomas, Jean Lewis, Joyce Lewis, and Arthur Smith, Sr.

To cherish the memory of her, she leaves her children, Jonathan Handsborough (Serenthia), Samuel Handsborough (Shelby), and Tamara Cooper (James, Sr.); grandchildren, Marquis Graves-Cooper, Dominic Handsborough, James Cooper, Jr., Abigail Handsborough, Caleb Handsborough, Olivia Handsborough, and Serenity Cooper; brother and sisters, Willis Lewis, Linda Smith, Min. Cynthia Evans (Robert, Sr.), and Theresa Kindley (Ricky, Sr.); mother-in-law Virgie Handsborough; broth­ers and sisters-in-law, Rev. IV Alfred, Jr., Ethel Lewis, Patricia Moore (Elmors), Carolyn Carter, Pamula Handsborough, and Min. Adrian Handsborough (Mavis). She also leaves her family in love with Deon ‘DeDe’ Grant, Tracey C. Terrell, John Darnell, Jr., Trachelle Hawkins, and Glenda Baptiste, who were all dear to her heart. She also leaves numerous nieces, nephews, friends, and loved ones.

A visitation for Barbara will be held Saturday, October 26, 2024 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Greater Macedonia Baptist Church, 5510 W Sam Houston Pkwy N, Houston, TX 77041. A funeral will immediately follow at 2:00 PM. The committal will be held from 3:30 PM to 3:45 PM at Paradise Funeral Home & Cemetery North, 10401 W Montgomery Rd, Houston, TX 77088.