Barbara Jo (Birdwell) Horton

Barbara Jo Horton, Mama, Nana, sister, caregiver and friend, died on Friday, November 15, 2019, at the age of 66 in her Nacogdoches home. Barbara was born on June 24, 1953, in Nacogdoches, Texas, to the proud parents Edd Thomas Birdwell, Sr and Verdell Birdwell. She was the baby girl in the family with brother Edd Birdwell, Jr of Douglassville, Georgia, and sister Pat Tarpley of Mahl Community. After attending school at Central Heights ISD, she met the love of her life, William ‘Bill’ Horton. They created a beautiful life and family together for 34 years.

Barbara’s most precious accomplishment was her family which included 3 daughters, Teresa Davidson and David of San Augustine, Holly Randall and Lance of Martinsville, Nikki Downs and Damon of Cushing. But all would agree the REAL sparkle in her eyes were always her grand and great grandchildren, Erin Scarber and Brett, Aubree and Eli of Center, Chloe and Layce Randall of Martinsville and Dixie Downs of Cushing. Her special fur baby, Candy, which was given to her as a Valentine’s gift from Bill in 2005 has remained by her side even on their heavenly journey.

She devoted her entire life to providing a loving and welcoming home to all who entered. As a young mother, you could always find her with one of ‘the girls’ watching performances at football games, enjoying orchestra and band concerts, and hauling horses to rodeo events across the state of Texas.

Barbara continued to find ways to serve and care for others throughout her entire life. Her ministry at Mahl Baptist Church nursery and the Sonshine School allowed her the opportunity to love on many kids through the years, not just her family. Many kids and parents have said through the years that Ms. Barbara had the ‘best lap’ and could ‘rock’ any crying baby fast to sleep.

Later in life you could always count on seeing her anywhere her grandkids were involved from cooking pancakes all night at a sorority house, cheering and yelling courtside at basketball games, traveling out of town for cheer competitions and even sitting late nights in 100 degree heat at mud bogs.

Anyone that knew her will agree that on November 11, 2009, her life changed forever with the loss of Bill. She continued to thrive through life but longed for the day they would be reunited. Rest assured, that he was anxiously awaiting her arrival, alongside lifelong friend, Derinda Boatman, when she arrived.

The family wishes to offer special thanks to Cindy Furr, Darla Watkins, Jennifer Goodwin, Mahl Baptist Church, Nacogdoches Police Officers: Robert Mobley, Treylyn ‘T’ Smith and Seth Stover and Dr. Acuna and the staff of East Texas Veterinary Clinic. A gathering of friends and family will be held at 9 am with services immediately following at 10 am on Saturday, November 23, 2019, at Cason Monk-Metcalf Funeral Home with burial following at Pleasant Hill Cemetery. The services will be officiated by Bro. Robert Easterling of Mahl Baptist Church and special memories by Brandy Crisp of Nacogdoches and granddaughter, Layce Randall.