Barbara Brannen Flowers

Born November 13, 1927 in Aspermont, TX, to Calvin Ernest and Iva Galloway Brannen, she was the tenth of twelve children. Eight survived infancy. Barbara graduated from Aspermont High School in 1943 and the Texas Teacher’s College (now University of North Texas) with a degree in education in 1946. She later earned her Master’s Degree in Counseling from Hardin Simmons University in 1961.

Barbara married Eugene L. McKenzie in 1950, and they had three sons together. Mr. McKenzie passed away unexpectedly in 1958 in Houston. Barbara moved to Abilene to be near her parents for help raising her kids. She began working for the Abilene Independent School District as a teacher in 1959. Upon receiving her Master’s Degree in Counseling, she began a long career as a school guidance counselor, including 15 years as the senior counselor at Abilene Cooper High School and four years in the AISD administration as head of all counselors in the district. She retired from the AISD in 1990 after 31 years of service and moved to Panorama Village to enjoy her retirement years.

After 35 years of raising children, enjoying her career, and staying busy in the community, in 1993 Barbara met Moody Flowers, a former Exxon accountant who had retired and moved to Panorama. They married in 1994 and enjoyed a full and active retirement. Barbara began each day with the crossword puzzle, and she enjoyed playing golf and bridge with her Panorama friends. She loved travelling to see her siblings, children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, as well as more exotic trips domestically and abroad. She was an active and enthusiast member of The First United Methodist Church of Conroe; she particularly enjoyed her BASIC (“brothers and sisters in Christ”) Sunday school class. Barbara found great satisfaction in her volunteer work with CASA, The Assistance League of Montgomery County, Suicide Hotline of Taylor County, MADD, Conroe Regional Hospital, and other worthwhile or fun enterprises

Barbara’s generous love, devotion and commitment to her family and friends will be profoundly missed and will inspire us forever. She is survived by her husband, Moody Flowers; three sons, Dr. Randy McKenzie (and wife Diane) of Flower Mound, Dr. Greg McKenzie (and wife Cathy) of Kerrville, and Gene McKenzie (and wife Linda) of Fort Worth; brother, Noah Brannen, of Palm Desert, CA; sister, Derah Stanley (and husband Miles) of Panorama Village. In this lineage, she cherished eight grandchildren (Tiffany Meguire, Christina Angeloro, Jenny McKenzie, Bonnie Robillard, Matthew McKenzie, Michael McKenzie, Anna McKenzie, and Hope McKenzie) and two great grandchildren (Nicholas Meguire and Tyler Meguire). She also enjoyed Moody’s four children, Rhonda Glisson (and husband Billy) of Plant City, FL, Waymon Armstrong (and wife Fran) of Orlando, FL, Russ Armstrong (and wife Natasha) of Houston, and Clarke Flowers (and wife Mindy) of Abilene; along with his eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Barbara is also survived by many nieces and nephews. Barbara was preceded in death by her parents and first husband four sisters, Iva Oliver, Lila Hagins, Ernestine Jamieson, Celestia Davis and brother, Charles Brannen.

The family wants to express its appreciation for Odyssey Hospice of Montgomery County, and Nancy Solario in particular. For six months they consistently made sure Barbara’s final earthly journey was joyous and comfortable. Many, many thanks to them.

A celebration of life ceremony will be held Friday, July 29th at 11 a.m., at the First United Methodist Church, preceded by a private burial. The family asks that in lieu of flowers donations be made to the Assistance League of Montgomery County or First United Methodist Church of Conroe.