Barbara Etta Taylor Bartlett went home to be with her Lord and Savior on January 3, 2020. Born October 29, 1935 to Ottie Taylor and Etta Yancy Taylor, Barbara grew up on a cattle farm near Booneville, AR.
After graduating as valedictorian of her high school class, Barbara met the love of her life, Leon Bartlett, when they worked together in the cafeteria at Arkansas Tech University where they were both students. After graduation, Barbara and Leon married and raised two children, Richard and Pam, in Fort Smith. An avid reader, Barbara pursued two post-graduate degrees and taught English and American literature at Westark Community College for 35 years until her retirement in 1997.
Barbara loved Jesus, her family, Jeopardy, and homemade ice cream. Despite a 24-year battle with Parkinson’s disease, she never lost her will to live or her sharp wit. She was a major fan of the St. Louis Cardinals, and of her grandchildren, Spencer and Ryan. She attended virtually every one of her grandchildren’s activities: soccer and baseball games, taekwondo tournaments. Even when she lost much of her mobility, she managed to climb bleachers to get the best vantage point to watch her grandson play soccer. She was selfless and strong. The undisputed queen bee of her family, she was an encourager who made others feel valuable and unconditionally loved.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Ottie and Etta Taylor; and her brother, Billy Taylor.
She is survived by her husband, Leon Bartlett; her son, Richard Bartlett; her daughter, Pam Stone; and son-in-law, Billy; grandson, Spencer Watso and wife, Allison; grandson, Ryan Watson and partner Kayla; great grandsons, Eli Watson and Reece Watson; and great granddaughter, Camille Watson.
Funeral Services for Barbara will be 10:00 A.M. Wednesday, January 8, 2020 at Edwards Funeral Home Chapel with burial to follow at Roselawn Cemetery. Family will greet friends from 5:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. Tuesday, January 7, 2020 at the funeral home.
Honorary pallbearers will be the members of her Sunday School Class and Tim Smith with Heart of Hospice.
Memorial Contributions may be made to First Baptist Church Music Ministry, 1400 Grand Avenue, Fort Smith, Arkansas 72901.
