She was raised in Amarillo, Texas, and graduated from Caprock High School in 1970. Barbara met the love of her life, Danny, in the summer of 1971 and married on October 1st of the same year after a whirlwind romance. She was able to spend 48 loving years with him before his passing. Together they had four children that were her pride and joy. She was an amazing mother and best friend to each of her children. Words cannot express the great sorrow felt by her loss.
Barbara worked as a non-food manager for Furr's, later transitioning to home childcare. She loved caring for others and considered those children an extension of her family. Barbara found her true calling as a corrections officer in 2002 and retired as a proud member of the Randall County Sheriff's Office in 2018. She touched numerous lives and wasn't afraid to tell you how the cow ate the cabbage. Barbara was always fun to be around and loved playing slot machines, a joy she shared with her children.
Barbara passed peacefully, surrounded by family and friends, on Sunday, November 27th, 2022. She will be missed greatly by all who knew her. Barbara was always good for a laugh, a shoulder to cry on, or getting a piece of advice from.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Kenneth and Juanita Upchurch, the love of her life, Danny Leard, and the Nicholson babies.
Barbara is survived by her sons, Brent and Chris Leard, daughters Stephanie Nicholson and Kimberly Loyall, and husband, James, all of Amarillo. Grandchildren Tanner Loyall and wife Veronica, Brittany Loyall and fiancé Hunter Grissom, Nicholas Stokes, "Her Girl" Kayli Loyall, and great-grandchildren Carter and Keaton Grissom.
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