Barbara Ann Taylor

Barbara was born on July 21, 1955, in Lafayette, Louisiana, to Lillie Mae Harris and Spergon Sam. She was the fifth of seven children and was raised in a loving family that helped shape the woman she would become.

Barbara’s life was filled with testimonies of God’s faithfulness, protection, and grace. Her faith was evident from a very young age. When Barbara was just five years old, she suffered a devastating injury that nearly severed her right heel. Doctors told her that she would never walk again. She spent an entire year in a cast, but even at five years old, Barbara believed God had a different plan for her. She held on to the promise that she would walk again. When the day finally came for her cast to be removed, Barbara didn’t simply walk—she ran. That moment became one of the earliest testimonies of the strength of her faith and the God she trusted.

Years later, at the age of 21, Barbara experienced another powerful testimony of God’s protection. She was involved in a horrific automobile accident that left the car completely mangled. The accompanying newspaper clipping captures the devastation of the crash, showing just how severe the accident was. Yet, in the midst of what could have been a tragedy, Barbara walked away. She was looked at on site and by God’s grace, escaped the wreck without a scratch.

From a little girl told she would never walk again to a young woman walking away from a mangled automobile, Barbara’s life was a testimony that God had His hand on her. Her story was one of resilience, faith, and divine protection—a reminder that when God has a purpose for your life, no obstacle, diagnosis, or circumstance can override His plan.

Barbara attended Fidelity High School in Galena Park, TX until 1971, when she and her family relocated to Southern California. She continued her education at Palm Springs High School graduating in 1973, where she began building the foundation for a life marked by determination, strength, and perseverance.

In 1981, Barbara accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior. Her relationship with God became the cornerstone of her life. She was a true worshipper, and her faith was evident not only in her words, but in the way she loved, served, encouraged, and cared for others.

Barbara was a dedicated and hardworking woman. While living in California, she worked for GTE as a PBX Operator for 15 years starting in 1978. After relocating to Houston, Texas in 1993, she continued her professional career with VSA and later worked for RectorSeal, where she faithfully served for many years until her retirement in 2020.

Barbara was also a woman of many gifts and talents. She had a creative spirit and loved teaching others the art of crocheting, knitting, and embroidery. She enjoyed bowling and proudly participated in a bowling league. She also loved a good, competitive game night, where her personality, laughter, and competitive spirit could shine.

Her love for God eventually led her into ministry. On September 10, 2006, Barbara was ordained as a Minister at The Living Word Faith Center in Houston, Texas, by Bishop John Hickman. Ministry was not simply a title for Barbara—it was an extension of her heart. She desired to encourage others, share her faith, and be a vessel of God's love.

Barbara will forever be remembered for her strength, unwavering faith, loving spirit, wisdom, resilience, sense of humor, and the unconditional love she gave to her family. She had a way of being present when she was needed most and often had a word of encouragement that was right on time. Her life was a testament to perseverance and faith, and the love she poured into her family will continue through generations.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Lillie Mae Sam (2008) and Spergon Sam (2012); and her siblings, Roy Lee Young (1998), Martha Coward (2003), Gene Sam (2008), and Agnes Taylor (2018).

Barbara leaves to cherish her beautiful memory: her children, Laterra Simpson of Houston, Texas; Risha Lewis (Phillip) of Shelby Township, Michigan; and Kristen Freeman of Palm Desert, California; her grandchildren, Darius Bolden (Erin), Darien Bolden (Kalem), Trinity Lewis, Ayonna Taylor (Jada), Alexander Lewis, and Kayla Medina; her siblings, Harold Young of Desert Hot Springs, California, and Rosemary Sam of Desert Hot Springs, California; and a host of great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, extended family members, friends, spiritual family, and loved ones.

Though Barbara is no longer with us physically, her love, lessons, laughter, faith, and memories will remain forever in the hearts of those who knew and loved her. We find comfort knowing that she has finished her earthly journey, her suffering is over, and she is now healed and in the presence of her Lord.

Her life and legacy remind us of the promise found in Scripture:

“With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation.” — Psalm 91:16

This is not goodbye. It is see you later.

The family sincerely thanks everyone for your prayers, love, calls, messages, visits, and unwavering support during this time of loss. Your kindness and compassion have been a source of comfort and strength to our family, and we are deeply grateful.