Barbara Jean Dailey

Beloved mother and grandmother, Barbara Jean Dailey, passed away peacefully in her home on February 1, 2024 at the age of 88. She was born in Houston, Texas on December, 17th, 1935 to parents Dudley and Grace LaMae Null Davis. Her childhood there was filled with symphony concerts, and museum visits that no doubt sparked her lifetime interest in the arts and writing. Barbara enjoyed going to school and spending time doing homework with her sister, Pat.

In the late 1940’s, Barbara and her family moved to Lufkin, Texas when her father became ill. She started the 8th grade in the slow-paced town and enjoyed the beauty and friendly nature the community offered. Soon after moving, her father passed away leaving her mother a widow.

In high school, Barbara was blessed with many great friends and teachers that encouraged her passion for business and accounting. She graduated from Lufkin High School in 1953, going on to Stephen F. Austin State College to continue her education. It was here that she met the love of her life, Harry Dailey, who fought for her attention from another gentleman. He ultimately won her favor and they were married the next summer on August 28th, 1954. With Harry in the Navy, they lived for a while in Hawaii when he was stationed at Joint Base Pearl Harbor.

Upon returning to Texas, Harry became a high school coach and teacher while Barbara held various secretarial positions. Between raising her family of three and Harry’s football games and track meets, she stayed busy for 10 years. In 1967, Barbara received her B.S. degree in English and Business from Mary-Hardin Baylor College. She went on to teach for 27 years, starting with junior high in Copperas Cove, before moving to Austin and teaching at Pearce, Allan, and Burnet junior high schools and Leander High School.

Barbara had many hobbies she enjoyed, including sewing, painting and baking. She shared her talents with her family by creating quilts, dresses, and baking with her grandchildren. She will be fondly remembered for her famous “Grandma Bread”, passed down from her sister Pat.

Barbara and Harry were always active in their church communities serving in many leadership and volunteer positions, especially Vacation Bible School which many of the grandchildren participated in. Upon her death, Barbara was a member of Salem Lutheran Church and was thankful for the monthly visits and communion provided by Pastor Anamae Storbeck.

For the past nine years, Barbara was a resident of the Village on the Park at Onion Creek where she truly enjoyed her community and the friendships cultivated. We were blessed with a kindhearted staff and caretakers who ensured Barbara’s care at the Village, as well as, with Allison Conway of Austin Geriatirc Specialists, and with Brooklyn Wilkes and others of Magnolia Hospice.

Barbara is survived by her sister, Pat Moore; children Darla Gay (Roy), Danny Dailey (Shawn), Todd Dailey (Leigh Ann); her grandchildren, Kendall and Truett Hardgrove; Ashtynn Smith and Mitchell Dailey; Walker Dailey; Cary Perez; Kaleb, Kyle, and Kole Dailey; and Rachel Hoover and Teri Sturdivant; and her great-grandchildren Brantely, Waylon, and Luke.

Barbara has been reunited in peace with her husband, Harry, who she described as the “Wind Beneath My Wings”.