Barbara "Bj" Joyce King Holbert

Barbara was born on May 7, 1935 to Anna Belle and Edward King. She retired from the Tyler Morning Telegraph in 2008 after 21 years. Barbara was a member of the Asbury United Methodist Church, Tyler.

Barbara, or BJ as she was affectionately known, loved going to the Horseshoe Casino in Shreveport, La., loved her NASCAR, especially Jeff Gordon, her Dallas Cowboys and her chocolate Hershey bars. She was also fond of "pink flamingos" and collecting shot glasses from where ever anyone would bring her one.

She was also an avid "Weather Channel" watcher and could keep anyone informed of what the weather was going to do.

She enjoyed playing "Secret Santa" for people any time of year, whether they knew her or not.

She was known as "Ma" to her grandchildren, Jesie and Justin, and to her great-grandson, Gage.

Barbara is survived by her two daughters, Julia Ann Hassell and Bill Stiles, Edom, and Jackie Brown and husband, Scott, Jacksonville; two grandchildren, Jessica Walker and husband, Trace, Ben Wheeler, and Justin Geddie, Temple; one great-grandson, Gage Walker, Ben Wheeler; niece, Rhita Koches and husband, Garry, Canton and longtime companion, Roxie Gardner, Tyler.

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents; and niece, Mikki Miller.

Services will be at Tyler Memorial Funeral Home on Thursday, October 18, 2012, at 1p.m.

Pallbearers will be Justin Geddie, Trace Walker, Bill Stiles, Garry Koches, Chris Lennon and Paul Adams.

Memorials may be made to Asbury United Methodist Church or The Hospice of East Texas Foundation.

A special thanks to the wonderful and caring "Angels" at hospice for making Barbara's last few days here peaceful.

Thanks to all her friends who kept her in their prayers during this time. She really appreciated your thoughts and love.