Barbara Sore

An expressive, optimistic, and uninhibited individual, she was a performer in the theater of life. To everyone around her, she seemed to be eternally happy, and she willingly shared that joy with anyone whose life she touched. For Barbara, bringing out the best in any situation was as easy as offering a smile, a witty remark or the twinkle of an eye. And with just those simple gestures, she could evoke the most pleasant of emotions. Barbara really mastered the art of living and had great fun in doing so.

Barbara was born on August 28, 1942 at her family home in Hatton Hill Road in Litherland, Liverpool England. Her parents were Stanley and Moira Vernon. Barbara was raised in Litherland, Liverpool England. Even as a child, Barbara had the ability to lift the spirits of all those around her. She was raised to be warm, caring and friendly. She couldn’t help but capture everyone’s attention. She was definitely a little bit of a show off, but in doing so, she succeeded in entertaining her entire family.

Always a good playmate, Barbara was easygoing and fun loving. She managed to lighten the mood wherever she was, even during family squabbles. She seemed to have a knack for bringing compromise and erasing tense situations around the house. Due to a generous dose of common sense, Barbara managed to find a satisfying solution to basic problems. Barbara was raised with Two siblings. She had one older sister, Moira and one twin brother, Stan.

All of Barbara's playful good humor carried over into her childhood. She was possessed with an outgoing personality, a lively imagination and a mellowed enthusiasm for life that allowed her to be constantly on the go. As a result, Barbara experienced a rather active childhood, and this suited her very well. She took part in girls field hockey. She was a member of the Hilltop youth association. In her spare time she liked dancing,listening to popular music and was an expert in all things British Royal family. Barbara's memorable achievements included her participation in ballroom dance.

Ask anyone who knew her from school and they would tell you that Barbara was a class “cut-up.” She didn’t do it to be unkind or to garner all the attention. Rather, Barbara simply enjoyed others’ laughter and the sounds of her friends and acquaintances having a good time. It could be said that for Barbara, grades may not have been the most important thing to her, but she really did enjoy her school experience. Since experience was Barbara's best teacher. She enjoyed hands-on learning and applying the “practical” approach to knowledge, rather than getting caught up in “theory.” Barbara graduated from Litherland Secondary Modern for girls in 1959. She enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers. Her favorite class in high school was home economics. Never academically at the bottom or the top of the graduating class she will be remembered mostly by classmates for her upbeat spirit , positive attitude and genuine compassion.

Barbara never actually encountered a stranger in her dealings with people. She was drawn to individuals and crowds, using her gregarious, adaptable and outgoing personality to captivate her audience. This quality allowed Barbara to continually develop new relationships, ever widening her circle of friends. Barbara delighted in her role among all her acquaintances, because she viewed them all as potential spectators for her performance. Whether it was a story, a joke, a song or just plain fooling around, Barbara was always right at home putting on a show among her friends. Barbara utilized her interest in others as a great way to connect with them. While growing up, some of her best friends were Hillary Holden and Enid Lonsdale as well as her cousins Jean and Irene Lancake. Later in life, she became friends with Mary West, Mary Riley, Mary Dickson and Trudy Latimer. Barbara loved sharing life and having her home filled with people she knew.

The gift of being emotionally expressive and outwardly affectionate made Barbara very easy to approach. On September 10, 1964 Barbara exchanged wedding vows with Graham David Sore at Crosby Registrars Office of Liverpool, England. She tried hard not to impose on her spouse. She was always sensitive to other people’s feelings, and that was especially true in marriage.

Perhaps the reason Barbara related so well to children was the fact that she never really completely grew up herself. The ability to be just a “kid at heart” helped her in raising her own children. Barbara was blessed with Four children, Three sons, Darren, Lonnie and Lee, and one daughter, Barbie. They were also blessed with seven grandchildren, Shelby, Steven, Malianne, Marianne,Preston, Ava and Ethan. Barbara had the ability to focus her attention on the present moment. If she was spending time with the kids, that’s where all of her attention was directed. Barbara's compassionate side prevented her from being a strict disciplinarian, and she could turn just about any situation into a playful, learning experience. She could spend hours entertaining them with fun and creative play. In fact, Barbara had a knack for turning some of those nasty old chores into games.

At work, as in life, Barbara was a real “people person.” She had a very successful way of dealing effectively with others, and her enthusiasm and energy was often contagious. Barbara liked to see herself as something of a virtuoso. When dealing with various projects and problems, Barbara was an adaptable realist, using her common sense and trusting her experiences and impulses to uncover the correct answer. Barbara's talent for being a down to earth thinker, allowed many around her to see Barbara as an excellent problem solver. Her primary occupation was Mother, Wife and Homemaker.

Living life in the fast lane suited Barbara just fine. It is no surprise that she loved to travel and to visit new and different places. She was naturally curious about other parts of the world and loved the real life adventure that came from visiting them. She was impulsive and willing to try anything once. Favorite vacations included trips to Hawaii, Puerto Rico, US Virgin Islands, a Caribbean cruise on the QM2 and numerous visits to South Padre Island.

Barbara was a lover of animals and cherished her pets, enjoying them almost as much as she enjoyed being around other people. One of Barbara's favorites was PAL a mixed breed Labrador Boxer cross. They were best friends for 12 years. Her family was rounded out by her grandchildren's pets Rowdy and Lulu.

Barbara passed away on December 22, 2016 at home peacefully in her sleep. Barbara had fought a brave battle for some years against numerous medical issues including diabetes, renal insufficiency and heart disease. She is survived by her husband Graham of almost 53 years, her children Darren, Lonnie, Lee and Barbie.

Barbara brought joy to all of those around her. She never had a mean bone in her body. She loved to have a good time and was an eternal optimist, always looking on the bright side of things. She loved to share her energy, wit, and her zest for all of her activities with her friends and family. She will be remembered with a smile. Arrangements under the direction of Colonial Funeral Home, Universal City, Texas.