Barbara Marie Egbert

Barbara, who sometimes referred to herself as "the Steel Oleander," shared countless happy memories of her life growing up on "the Island." She maintained deep and abiding connections with her Galvestonian friends to the very end.

Barbara graduated from Ball High School in Galveston and The University of Texas at Austin with a bachelors degree in Education. Upon her matriculation, she returned to Galveston to teach fourth grade.

Soon after, Barbara managed to wrangle a blind date with a handsome medical student from UTMB named Eddie Egbert. They married just a few months later in Galveston on December 21,1948 at the historic Galvez Hotel.

She continued teaching while her husband completed medical school and internship, then moved to Kansas City, Kansas for his medical residency. In 1952, their first daughter, Diane was born.

Barbara and Eddie later moved to El Paso where they made their permanent home and in 1957, their second daughter, Laura was born.

Many have remarked about Barbara's innate elegance, poise and Southern hospitality. She masterfully created exceptional centerpieces, flower arrangements and produced mouth-watering gourmet meals. In addition, she and Eddie adored foreign travel and often referred to London as their second home (having visited it numerous times).

Barbara was a sustaining member of the Junior League of El Paso, past president of Sun City Investors, Altar Guild at The Church of St. Clement, and El Dedon Verde Garden Club.

She is preceded in death by her father, Gardner Harrell Brown, her mother, Lucille G. Brown, her husband, Eddie Egbert, brother Gardner Harrell “Hal” Brown, Jr. and Lucille Brown, and sisters-in-law Jean Brown and Rosa May Baker. Surviving her are daughters Diane Bernard (husband, David) and Laura Stearne and cherished grandchildren Rachel Bernard (husband, Scott Cieslewicz) and Elliott Bernard.

The family would like to thank the staff at The Monte Vista, Monte Vista Skilled Nursing Facility, Envision Hospice and HomeWatch Caregiving Service. In particular, special thanks go to Elizabeth Reza, Kathleen Harris, Dr. Branch Craige, Dr. David Dobrin and Dr. Muneer Assi.

At Barbara's request, no services will be held. However in celebration of her life, the family welcomes guests Saturday, October 1, 2016, 5:00 p.m., at 4910 Olmos, El Paso, Texas, 79922.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her honor to the charity of your choice.

Arrangements under the direction of Martin Funeral Home, El Paso, TX.