Barbara Pettis Sellers

“The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; whoever lives by believing in me will never die.”John 11: 25-26 (KJV)

Barbara Pettis Sellers was born on May 10, 1942, in Mount Vernon, Alabama. It was Mother’s Day. On October 7, 2023, in Houston, Texas, she was called home to be with the King of Kings where she was designed to dwell for eternity. Between those two dates, for more than 81 years, Barbara lived a life full of love, laughter, care, compassion, and devotion to the Lord, her family and friends.

The story of Barbara’s life is punctuated by pride and passion. She was the oldest child of Adelle and Gordie Pettis and the proud big sister to Brenda and Gordie, Jr. (Bubba). Born into what became known as the “Silent Generation” during World War II, for those who knew her, Barbara was anything but silent. She loved to talk. She enjoyed visiting with friends and family, and she never met a stranger. She was passionate about the piano and helping provide for Brenda and Bubba as they grew up. Her father worked at Mobile River sawmill company. Her mother wore many hats. Barbara always adored and respected her mother, who was a homemaker, seamstress, hairdresser and LVN.

Some of Barbara’s most cherished memories were made spending time with her sister, brother and their families. Until her last breath, her little sister, Brenda, was her closest friend in the world. As a young girl, Barbara enjoyed playing the piano, relaxing at the beach, attending church, learning at school, and participating in beauty pageants. She had many friends and everyone who knew her recognized her beauty was more than skin-deep. Her faith, love for Jesus and her heart for serving others defined who she was and how she wanted to be known. After graduating from Citronelle High School, she began her career as a secretary at Olin chemical plant. She enjoyed working, but her greatest joy came from serving as the church pianist and Sunday school teacher.

May 28, 1965, she married the love of her life, George Boyd Sellers, III, at Mount Vernon Baptist Church. She and G.B. bought their first home in McIntosh, Alabama where their daughter, Mona, was born in 1969. They moved to New Orleans for G.B.’s work shortly after becoming parents and lived there for three years. In 1972 they moved to Texas. They lived in Houston for a few months before relocating to Corpus Christi in 1973 where their son, Kevin, was born. In 1974 they returned to Houston, eventually settling in Stafford, Texas, where they lived for the next 45 years.

Like her mother, Barbara wore many hats during her lifetime. She was a devoted daughter, sister, friend, wife, mother, aunt and grandmother. She attended college and received an associate’s degree in data processing while also raising her family and being a homemaker. She was a warm, welcoming and friendly neighbor. She was an active member in her church and community. She loved flowers and working in her yard, was involved in the Garden Club and was a frequent winner of Yard of the Month. She enjoyed trying new things, joined a bridge club, bowling league and led a Blue Bird Troop. As a member of Missouri City Baptist she was very involved and attended church several times each week. She later joined Second Baptist church in Houston, where she sang in the choir and was active in her Sunday school classes.

Barbara always looked forward to the day she would meet Jesus and be forever happy in Heaven. That is where she is today, where she is now reunited with her parents, her brother Bubba, many relatives and friends who preceded her in death. Her greatest worldly treasure was her family. She is survived by her best friend and sister, Brenda Broadhead, her husband of 58 years, G.B. Sellers, her children, Mona Howard and Kevin Sellers, her son-in-law Arty Howard and daughter-in-law Sonya Sellers, her grandchildren, Austin and Grace Howard and Andrew Sellers, her nieces and nephews, and many other family members and close friends.

Barbara’s family is grateful for all of the compassionate care she received from MD Anderson and Houston Hospice – especially the extraordinarily hopeful and heartfelt care of Dr. Robert A Wolff. In lieu of flowers, her family asks that you consider making contributions in her honor to support Houston Hospice in Houston, Texas, which is dedicated to offering loving care and compassionate support to patients and their families during life’s final journey.

“… to be absent from the body [is] to be present with the Lord.”2 Corinthians 5:8 (KJV