Ninva Rae Barkham

Ninva was born at home in Farmersville, Texas on Oct. 12, 1927. When she was a young girl, her family moved to Caddo Mills, Texas. At the age of 16, Ninva graduated as the Valedictorian of Caddo Mills High School. Afterwards, she moved to Dallas, Texas to work at Sears, Roebuck & Co.

In 1951, she married the love of her life, James (Jim) Barkham and they resided in Dallas, where they raised 3 children- Cindy, Jamie and Laurie. They had a beautiful life together.

Ninva spent most of her working life at General Mills where she loved working and excelled in Accounts Receivable. After retiring, General Mills had her travel around the country doing consulting work. Jim loved going along as her “sidekick”.

She and Jim travelled extensively abroad during the latter part of their marriage thanks to Cindy’s job at Southwest Airlines. Jim died in 1990. Ninva never even considered the thought of dating another man. Jim was her one and only.

During her retirement years, Ninva continued to travel with various family members. She loved Ireland and bragged about kissing the Blarney stone. New Zealand was one of her favorites. She travelled to Hungary with her sister, Doris, to serve as a seamstress at an Orphanage where they were known as the “sew and sew ladies”.

Ninva served as a Bible Study Fellowship leader and did various service jobs at the church. In her late years, even as her dementia was starting, she continued to serve her community at the White Rock Center of Hope.

A highlight for Ninva was when she had the opportunity to house a Ukranian student, Alex. Alex became like another daughter to Ninva.

Ninva’s main work was serving her family and the Lord. She cared for all of her grandbabies at one time or another. She was more than a “baby sitter”- she was a story teller, potty trainer, sex educator, short order cook and a spiritual mentor. Her grands adored her.

She was the center of our solar system.

Upon entering the pearly gates, Ninva was met with open arms by a glorious group of loved ones. Her parents, Ora and Clyde. Her siblings Bill and Doris. Her forever love, Jim. Her daughter, Jeanine. Her son, Jamie. And of course, those grandsons of thunder, Jackson and Andy.

Her legacy lives on in daughters Cindy (Kevin) Borg. Laurie (David) Sobocinski. Jon Sobocinski, Megan Cornish, Daniel Sobocinski, Meridith Sobocinski and Scott Sobocinski. And her daughter in law Laurie Barkham and her grandsons Brent and Jacob Barkham. And a growing crowd of Beloved great-grandchildren.

In Lieu of flowers, please direct giving to Young Life or the White Rock Center of Hope.