Obituary of Barbara Etra Graham

Barbara’s family wanted to write her obituary, however, being highly organized – she had already written her own, and here it is:

“It has been a good one, but first I need to get a few things off my chest: I forgive my parents, Helen and James Rose, for giving me that horrible middle name. I know you wanted to carry on a tradition, but it was somewhat of a burden. One of the first things I will do after getting settled into Heaven is to address my brother Jack Rose. I will forgive you for making me stay in the house during most of my childhood by using a bullwhip and a very mean duck. To my sister, Jimmie Driver, my forgiveness for never letting me sleep by the open window while growing up. I think it possibly contributed to my stunted growth.

God gave me a wonderful family that produced wonderful memories. Growing up in a small town is like no other. You have lifelong friends that you played with, loved and got into trouble with. Thank God for the loving teachers, preachers and saints of the town that guided us with love, even when we did not request it. I look back and thank Jesus for our town not having a high school, otherwise I would not have met my precious husband, Larry. Throughout our marriage, he was my best friend, my love, my confidant and my strong shoulder. Being raised by wonderful Christian parents, Omalie and Thurman Graham, he always made them thankful for his birth and his life. He was a wonderful father to our children, Kristi and Marc. We both later grew to love and cherish Kristi’s husband, Jeff. Jeff thank you for all the flounder, fish and dove from all those hunting and fishing trips. Thank you for loving Kristi like no other. Thank you, Kristi, for tending to me when your dad was taken. Thank you, Marc, for delivering yourself into goodness and giving us a special son.

I wouldn’t change anything about my life. It certainly had its ups and downs, but I knew that if God leads us to it, he will lead us through it. I cannot be thankful enough for the many friends that have been there for me for so many years. Dixie, Suzy and Jody were my professional confidants, my shopping buddies and my lending ear. I love each one of you. Did we have a ride or what?

Just when I thought God had not blessed us enough, he brought a special church into our lives. New Hope has given us more than our hearts could hold. It gave us a very close set of friends in our Couples Care Group. Each week was spiritually uplifting and a very good meal. Thursday Morning Volunteers provided us with a way to serve others and brought into our lives a group of men and women that would become life family.

By now I am standing in God’s presence. I see so many who have gone before me: my loving husband, my grandparents, my parents, my father and mother in-law, my brothers Jack and Thom Sr, and my nephew Thom Jr. They are all fine and will be waiting for each of you when you finish your chores on Earth. I have been blessed to have such an awesome family: (Son) Marc Graham, (Daughter and Son) Kristi and Jeff Irvin; (Sister) Jimmie Driver; (in-laws) Sandy Rose, Kathy and Lynn Syma; (Nieces and Nephews) Andi and Neal Kuyatt, Haley Kuyatt; Kaitlin, Justin, Kinslee and Jordan Argo; Sally, Thommy, Ariel, Robin, Julia, and Kassie Driver; Abigayle, Steve, Madison and Brooks Barton; Sherry and George Luna, Haiden and Jace Wilson; Stacy and Colton Bishop; Rusty, JoDee, Sable, Matthew and Kyle Austin. You have each played a very important part in my life and have given me great joy!!! Besides my precious children, I hate to leave my sister, Jimmie Driver. How many hours have we visited and solved all the problems of the world and our families? How many hours have we spent visiting on the phone? Thom and Larry wondered how we could continue to talk about the same subject for so many years. Thank you for helping me get through Larry’s death. Thank you for being my confidant when he left. Thank you for saying that blouse did not look so good on me, the hair style was wrong, or the lipstick was too bright. Sisters always have such a special bond!

I leave this life which was given to me and taken from me by my Savior Jesus Christ. Please do not be sad for me, for my Father has built a Kingdom for me and those who follow. Please keep to the task of following him daily. Do not use me as an example but look upward for your guidance. I have one last request. Please leave this place joyfully singing Amazing Grace at the top of your lungs.”

Services will be on Saturday, August 13, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. at New Hope Church - 3640 CR 58, Manvel, TX 77578. Burial will be at Restland Cemetery in Bishop, Texas at 2:00 p.m. on August 14, 2022.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Barbara’s memory to New Hope Church (288 Campus) at 3640 CR 58, Manvel, TX 77578 or online at https://newhopechurch.tv/give or to the Bishop Cemetery Association, P.O. Box 142, Bishop, TX 78343.