Barbara J. McPherson

Barbara was born in Fort Worth, Texas on July 27, 1934 to A.G. and Mable Benedict. She lived in Fort Worth until 1947 when her parents purchased their farm in Colleyville, Texas. Barbara was determined to complete junior high at J.P. Elder Middle School before transferring to Keller schools, even though it meant commuting daily to Fort Worth by city bus in the mornings and riding home to Colleyville with her father in the evenings following his shift at Santa Fe Railway. When she started high school at Keller, it is there she met her future husband Tom Jeff “T.J.” McPherson.

She was the valedictorian of her Keller High School graduating Class of ’51 and demonstrated both intelligence and beauty. Barbara and T.J. married on January 12, 1951 and together they had eight children. T.J. came from a proud lineage of dairy farmers, and in 1963, Barbara and T.J. made the decision to start a dairy farm of their own on ten acres of Colleyville land purchased from Barbara’s parents. T.J. continued his night job as a machinist to supplement their income, leaving Barbara and the older children to manage the afternoon milking and feeding of the herd.

Barbara spent the first part of her adult years working alongside T.J. on the family dairy farm – raising their children, milking cows, preparing meals for the family after long days in the field, hauling loads of grain to the elevator, tending the garden, and lending a hand wherever she was needed. Her commitment to the farm and her family never wavered, and she poured her heart and soul into both until her last child graduated from high school.

After seeing her children off into the world, Barbara embraced a new chapter in her life, beginning a second career with the United States Postal Service in 1985. She started out her USPS career at the Keller post office and later moved to the Colleyville post office, where she retired in 1999. Her work ethic, warmth and reliability made her a beloved presence to coworkers and community members alike. Whether she was driving a mail route or helping customers at the counter, she brought the same care and diligence that had always defined her.

Barbara was a member of Shady Grove Baptist Church in Colleyville. Though her early morning farm chores often kept her from attending Sunday services, her commitment to her children’s spiritual upbringing never wavered. She faithfully made time to take them to Sunday school, pausing her work to ensure they were in church—often with her eldest, Vickie, entrusted to look after the younger siblings.

Barbara found joy in life’s simple pleasures. She loved to travel, capture memories through photography, and express her creativity through cake-decorating. She also cherished time spent around the table playing cards and dominoes with family and friends. A spirited Texas Rangers fan, Barbara rarely missed a chance to watch a game, cheering on her team with enthusiasm and heart!

Known as Mother to her children and Momaw to her grandchildren, Barbara will be remembered for her gentle spirit, and her legacy of kindness and love will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

Barbara is preceded in death by her parents A.G. and Mable Benedict; husband Tom Jeff (T.J.); brother Guy Benedict; and grandsons Brian Dowell, Wesley Hixson, and Curtis Cudaback. Survivors include Vickie Dowell; Ronny McPherson and wife Vicky; Cindy Wear and husband Gary; Sheryl O’Brien and husband Patrick; Susan Childers and husband Roy; Tommie Lou Hixson and husband Thomas; Laura Cudaback and husband Brian; Kim Haley; 18 grandchildren; 37 great grandchildren; 2 great-great grandchildren; and her beloved long-haired Chihuahua, Coco.

The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to Cynthia, Meleta, and Tawa from BrightStar, and Kis’a from Silverado Hospice for the compassionate care provided to their mother during her final years.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Alzheimer’s Association (https://www.alz.org) in loving memory of Barbara.