Barbara Ann Bottoms

Barbara was born on May 5, 1938, in Red River County, Texas, to Woodrow and Elaine Jackson. She was the eldest of four children. Barbara graduated from Avery High School in 1956 before continuing her education at Paris Junior College. She later moved to Dallas, where she worked for Texaco Oil.

Barbara was a devoted and loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother. Affectionately known as “Meme,” she loved her family fiercely and treasured the many relationships and memories they shared. Her love for her family was evident in everything she did, and she will be remembered for the lasting impact she made on the lives of those who knew and loved her.

Her faith in Jesus Christ was the foundation of her life. Barbara faithfully attended Open Door Baptist Church, now known as Anchor Baptist Church, for more than half a century. Throughout her years there, she served as a bus captain for over ten years, taught Sunday school, and remained a faithful member of her church family. If you knew Barbara, you knew she never missed an opportunity to tell someone about Jesus and share the plan of salvation.

Even when she was no longer able to walk, Barbara found a way to continue sharing her faith. She would roll down her car window, invite people to come over, hand them a gospel tract, and tell them about Jesus. Her determination to share the love of Christ never wavered. She was a godly woman, a devoted prayer warrior, and, to those closest to her, one of the best secret keepers anyone could ever ask for.

Barbara also cherished the life she shared with her beloved husband, Coach Sherrill Bottoms. They loved traveling together, and whenever Sherrill would say, “Baby, let’s go,” they were off on another adventure. They shared a wonderful life together until his passing. One particularly memorable adventure came during Barbara’s years as a bus captain, when she won a trip to Israel. She traveled with her nephew Tim, friends, her pastor, and Brother Matthews on a journey she would never forget.

Barbara leaves behind a beautiful legacy of faith, love, and devotion to her family. Though her loved ones must now learn to navigate life without her, the lessons she taught, the prayers she prayed, and the love she gave will continue to live on through the generations she leaves behind.

Barbara is survived by her son, Jeff Maroney, and his wife, Karyn; her daughter, Susan Maroney; and her grandchildren, Nathan, Christina, Amanda and husband Mark, Angela, C.H. and wife Yasmeen, Tiffany and husband Travis, and Katy. She is also survived by her great-grandchildren, Dessie Ann, Jeffrey, Christian, Cody, Katie Haley, Ashley, Hannah, Giovanna, Krystaleigh, Evie, Corban, River, Salem, Devin, Addison and Dakoda; seven great-great-grandchildren; her siblings, Marita, Mickey, Don, and Jackie; her daughter-in-love, Leona Maroney; and numerous nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Woodrow and Elaine Jackson; her beloved husband, Sherrill Bottoms; her granddaughter, Amy Schluter; her grandson, Brandon Maroney; and her great-granddaughter, Carmen Putnam.

Though saying goodbye is never easy, those who loved Barbara can find comfort in knowing that this is not goodbye forever, but simply, “We’ll see you later, beautiful one.”

Barbara will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever cherished by all who had the blessing of knowing her.