Barbara Acker

Barbara Nell Acker, 86, of Lubbock, Texas, passed away peacefully on February 21, 2026, surrounded by love, prayers, kisses, and music. She was born on February 5, 1940, in Vernon, Texas, to Ray and Margarete Stevenson.

Barbara’s life was a beautiful reflection of devotion — to her faith, her family, and the simple joys that make life meaningful. She shared 66 years and three months of marriage with the love of her life, Kenn Acker, before his passing on October 14, 2024. Their marriage was built on steadfast love, loyalty, laughter, and an unshakable partnership that carried them through every season of life. Together, they built a home filled with warmth, faith, and unwavering commitment to family, friends, and their Youth for Understanding Exchange Students from around the world who became bonus family members.

Barbara was the proud and loving mother to her daughter, Renee’. She offered encouragement, strength, and a listening ear, always putting others before herself. Her family was her heart, and she dedicated her life to nurturing those she loved. She was an inspiration to her life long patrons at Jeneal Cosmetique, Hair By Diane, Avalon Day Spa, and DermaSmooth Med Spa!

Barbara was a woman of deep and abiding Catholic faith. A devoted member of St. Luke’s Catholic Church in Irving TX, and Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Lubbock, TX for the past 12 years. Although her faith journey began in 1958 when she married Kenn, she fully embraced Catholicism through the sacraments in 1993. She believed God guided her daily steps, held her hand, and shaped her into a woman of compassion, generosity, and quiet strength. She found peace in praying the rosary, and joy in fellowship with her family and friends.

Those who knew Barbara well, will remember her vibrant spirit. She was energetic and passionate, with a zest for life that was contagious!She was adventurous at heart, never afraid to try something new or step boldly into the next chapter. Her laughter was unmistakable — bright, full, and instantly recognizable. It echoed through rooms and lifted the spirits of everyone around her. If Barbara was laughing, everyone knew it — and soon, they were laughing too!

She is survived by her daughter Renee’ Acker, her sister, Margaret Ann Breitler (George) Lantana, TX; her niece, Brenda Warner (Eric) Lowell, AR and her nephew Greg Whaley (Magean) Chesapeake, VA.

She is also lovingly remembered by her great-nephews: Cameron and Tyler of Kansas City, MO, and Jackson and Luke of Chesapeake, VA; and by her great-nieces: Katherine of Lowell, AR and Emerson of Chesapeake, Virginia. Barbara is also survived by Kenn’s brother Tom Acker (Clarice), and the entire Acker and Pohlmeier Families.

The family lovingly wishes to thank Frank & Kathy Phillips, Gloria Garcia, Corbin Pemberton, Louis Flores, and her number one son by love, Bobby Rawls for their helping & guiding hands which allowed Barbara to see Jesus Face to Face without ever having to leave her home!

Barbara had a gift for making others feel welcome and valued. Her presence brought comfort, her words provided encouragement, and her smile gave joy and light.

The Acker family graciously thanks the following for the loving care of Barbara for the past 34 yrs: Dr. George Peters, Dr. Catherine Ronaghan (Bill Nolan), Dr. Fred Hardwicke (Beth), Dr.

Dale Little (Susan), Dr. Susan Davis (Richard Pope), Drs. Brad & Priscilla Snodgrass, Dr. Katie Hendley, Dr. Dolores Buscemi, Drs. Margaret Leicht & Michel Oliva, Dr. Christina Belle-Henry (Twain), Dr. Jose Allas (Nenette), and Dr. Jeffrey Morgan, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute Boston, MA.

A Rosary will be held on March 23rd at 6:00 pm followed by visitation 7-9 pm at Lake Ridge Chapel and Memorial Designers. The Funeral Mass Celebration is March 24th at 10:00 am at Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Lubbock. In honor of Barbara’s journey as a 3 time cancer survivor, and Alzheimer’s Disease please wear shades of pink or purple.

Donations to Lubbock Meals On Wheels are always a Blessing to Barbara, or a charity of your choosing in her name.

Though Barbara has reunited with her beloved Kenn, her legacy of love, faith, laughter, and strength lives on in the hearts of those she leaves behind. She will be deeply missed, forever remembered, and always cherished.