Barbara Altgelt

Barbara was born in Kerrville, Texas on the 16th of February 1929 to Ada Nance & Joseph Sydney Wheless Jr. She passed away peacefully at age 94 surrounded by loved ones on the 27th of April 2023. Barbara attended Alamo Heights Schools and The University of Texas where she pledged Kappa Alpha Theta. She married Lee Gilliland in 1949 and together they had four children: Sharon, Shannon, Patrick, and Kelly. Barbara was actively involved in many community activities, including the Junior League, Child Guidance Center, Texas Commission on the Arts and she had a life-long passion for Bridge. Her bridge groups were such an important part of her life, and she treasured the women who played with her. They were her extended family. One of her other favorite pastimes was entertaining. She especially loved giving lavish parties for her children and grandchildren.

In 1972, she married Dr. James Altgelt and together they shared a love for travel and their beloved country home, J Bar Farm. Barbara was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Betty Trotter; her son-in-law, Stephen Nisbet; her daughter, Sharon Deering, and both Lee and Jimmy. She is survived by her children, Shannon Nisbet, Kelly Lyssy (Gregg), Patrick Gilliland and former son-in-law, Perry Deering. She is also survived by her beloved grandchildren Dale (Lindsey) Nisbet, Timothy (Erinn) Nisbet, Katie (Richard) Hendin, Emmaline (Dennis) Nabors, Adelaide (William) Thompson, Austin Hawn, Gracie Lyssy, Elizabeth and Emily Lyssy, Sydney Deering Porter, and Taylor Deering. And further survived by her seven great grandchildren: James, Christopher and Margaret Nisbet, Hayes and Sadie Hendin, William Porter, and Lyle and Alice Nabors.

We would like to thank Blanca Ramirez for her 23 years of loyal service and to Bea, Isabelle, Ofelia, Dolores, and MJ for the loving care they provided during Barbara’s final years. The family would also like to thank Dr. Fernando Lopez and Vitas Hospice.

A private family graveside service on May 6th will be followed by a celebration of a life well lived at the San Antonio Country Club at 4:30 pm. Honorary pallbearers will be her grandsons – Dale and Timothy Nisbet, Richard Hendin, Austin Hawn, Dennis Nabors and William Thompson.

Memorials may be given to The ALS Association, 1300 Wilson Blvd, Suite 600, Arlington, Virginia 22209, in memory of her daughter, Sharon, or to the charity of your choice.