Barbara Jean Lovelace Taylor

Barbara Jean Blackman was born October 2, 1938, the second child of Russell and Jean Blackman of Matamoras, PA. Barbara was raised as an only child as her brother, Kenny, died prior to her birth.

Barb graduated Matamoras High School as Salutatorian of the class of 1956. After high school she moved to Washington, DC, and was employed as an Administrative Assistant for the Dept. of the Navy. She and her roommate attended National Baptist Memorial Church where she was introduced to Robert (Bob) Lovelace, originally from Stratford, TX, by a lady named Betty Jean Taylor.

Bob and Barbara were married in 1958. They moved to Colorado in 1964 when Bob had the opportunity to transfer to the Denver Federal Center, Bureau of Land Management. Colorado became home as Bob and Barbara raised their two children, Gail and Brad, in Northglenn, Coal Creek Canyon, and Wheat Ridge. Bob and Barbara actively served the Lord through the churches they attended in the various areas where they lived, including multiple mission trips to Kenya. Bob died of cancer in 1991.

One hallmark of Barbara’s life was her ability to maintain lifetime friendships. Her friendship with Betty Jean and Donald Taylor continued through all the years in Colorado. Betty Jean died of cancer in 1993. Barbara and Don reconnected as friends who were each alone, then found romance and were married in 1995. Barbara loved telling people, “My husband’s first wife introduced me to my first husband!”

Barbara and Don retired to Arizona and had a marvelous “second chance” life together, again serving in the church, and enjoying travel to such locations as China, England, Alaska, and Southern California. Don and Barb moved to Colorado in 2017 to be near family.

Barbara was very talented and known for her sewing, knitting, needlepoint, and many other artistic abilities. She frequently carried a knitting bag with her and could carry on conversations even as her knitting needles were constantly in motion.

Barbara was preceded in death by her brother, Kenneth Clark Blackman, her parents, Russ and Jean Blackman, her first husband, Robert Lovelace, stepdaughter, Diana Taylor, and her second husband, Donald Taylor. She is survived by daughter Gail Hoffman (and David), son Bradford Lovelace (and Kelley), grandchildren Bethany DeHamer (and Brandon), Stephen Hoffman (and Chelsea), Paige and Eve Lovelace, and great-grandchildren, Andrew and Henry Hoffman, and Scarlett and Violet DeHamer. Also Don’s family: sons Donald Jr. and Dewayne Taylor, grandchildren Dan, Amy, Mary, Casey Jean and Caitlyn Taylor, and great-granddaughter, Sianni Taylor.

A memorial service for Barbara will take place on Saturday, July 10, 2021 at 9:30 AM at Olinger Crown Hill, Pavilion of Reflection.

Donations can be made to Pioneers Missionaries, Greg & Clarisa Rhodes, online at https://give.pioneers.org/p-75-give-to-a-missionary-or-project.aspx (please include their account number, 111158) or by mail to Pioneers, 10123 William Carey Dr., Orlando, FL 32832, again with their account number.