Barbara Jean McFarland

She was born on December 15, 1932, in Freeport, Texas and died in La Porte, Texas on February 8, 2026. Barbara spent her early childhood in Velasco, Texas and at age 11 the family moved to Houston when her father was drafted during World War II. She attended Jackson Junior High and Stephen F. Austin High School where she met her future husband Robert B. McFarland. Barbara worked part time all through high school in the bakery at Weingarten grocery, helping to support her family.

After graduating high school, Barbara worked in the office at Carnation Milk company in Houston, Texas.

Robert and Barbara were married in July 1954 in Anniston, Alabama while Robert was serving in the Army. Later Robert was transferred to Fort Hood in Killeen, Texas. Their son Clifford was born in 1955 while stationed in Killeen. Robert and Barbara settled in Pasadena, Texas after leaving the Army. Their daughter Janice was born in 1957, and Diana completed their family in 1962.

Barbara was a fulltime housewife until Diana entered elementary school. She worked part-time at a family friend’s bakery and held other part-time jobs including after school childcare.

Barbara became a school crossing guard in 1978 and worked in that role for 30 years.

Barbara was a long-time member of Asbury United Methodist Church where she served in many ministries of the church. She taught children’s Sunday school, led youth ministries, was a member of the United Methodist Women, sang in the church choir and volunteered many hours in the church office. This eventually led to a staff position as an office assistant which she held for over 20 years.

Barbara enjoyed being part of several Asbury mission trips where she worked in the kitchen.

Barbara enjoyed fishing with Robert, camping with her family, volunteering with the boy scouts and girl scouts, and family trips with her grandchildren. Barbara also loved playing dominoes with friends on Sunday evenings at the church. She was a passionate Astros fan. Barbara was in attendance for Daryl Kyle’s no-hitter, saw her favorite player Craig Biggio get his 3000th hit and attended an All-Star game. She was overjoyed to see the Astros win two World Series championships.

Barbara is preceded in death by her parents, Clyde and Pearl Murray, her brother, Franklin Murray, her husband Robert McFarland and her son Clifford McFarland. She leaves behind her daughters Janice (Michael) Williams and Diana (William) Choma, her daughter-in law Judith McFarland, her beloved grandchildren MacKenzie McFarland, Coleman McFarland, Ryan (Tiffany) Choma, Jonathon Choma, and Allison “Allie” Choma, her great-grandchildren Levi Benline, Beckett Choma, Brooks Choma and Baylor Choma. Barbara will be missed by her nephew, niece and great-nephews and great-nieces, and church family.

The family would like to say a special thank you to her dedicated caregivers Pam Sweny, Belinda Salem, Debbie Heckman, and special friend Letha Bissonnet.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Asbury UMC’s McFarland Scholarship fund.

Visitation will be held at Grand View Funeral Home in the Yellow Rose Chapel, located at 8501 Spencer Highway, Pasadena, Texas, 77505, on February 11, 2026, from 4:30 pm to 8:00 pm. A Celebration of Barbara's Life service will be held at Asbury United Methodist Church, 5354 Space Center Blvd, Pasadena, Texas, 77505, on February 12, 2026, at 10:00 am. Immediately following she will be laid to rest at Grand View Memorial Park.