Obituary of Barry Hood Norwood

Barry Hood Norwood was born on June 25, 1958, into the union of the late Purvis Bibbs, Sr. and the late Mozelle Bell. He attended Abeline's Cooper High School and later graduated with honors from John Jay Senior High School in San Antonio, where he excelled in track and field and basketball. His talents extended to architecture, as he achieved first place at State events in Austin during his senior year. Barry was also honored in Who’s Who among high school students. In 1976, he proudly graduated from John Jay High School. He continued his educational journey at the University of Houston's College of Architecture, where he earned a Master’s degree in five years and met the love of his life, Yvonne.

Embarking on his professional path, Barry initially joined the ranks of the Tackett Lodholtz Architectural Firm, contributing his skills for several years. Following this, he established Norwood & Associates (NAI), his own architectural firm, leading a team of four in the design and construction of significant projects ranging from large homes (including one for Houston’s Judge Bell), numerous churches, and shopping strips to even a funeral home in Mississippi. Barry's reputation grew, and he was invited to serve at Prairie View A&M University. Within a year, his part-time role swiftly transformed into a full-time position as faculty and director of student outreach.

Barry dedicated over fifteen years to Prairie View A&M University. During his tenure, the School of Architecture secured a historic five-year accreditation, a testament to Barry’s dedication. He delighted in guiding his students to victory for six consecutive years at American Institute of Architects (AIA)  Houston's Sand Castle competition in Galveston, Texas and fostering their growth through enriching trips to cultural landmarks worldwide including Chaco Canyon—Culture National Historical Park—in New Mexico; Coushatta, Alabama; Europe and more recently; Dubai. Teaching was Barry’s passion, evident in his commitment to his students.

Outside of his professional endeavors, Barry found joy in golf, supporting the Pearland High School Football team, avidly following college sports – particularly the University of Houston – and embarking on cherished family trips. These annual adventures ranged from Disneyland in California to Disneyworld in Florida, and family cruises to the Caribbean.  Barry took great pleasure in tinkering around with projects at home, crafting numerous garage and closet shelves, orchestrating a remarkable living room-to-office conversion, and personally fashioning an enduring all-wood office desk for Ryan, which remains in use to this day.

Barry leaves behind his beloved wife, Yvonne B. Norwood of Pearland, his cherished children, Christina Tapia (Saul Tapia), Hillary Penn (Anthony Penn), and Ryan Norwood of Houston, TX. He is survived by his mother-in-law Melva Barabin of Houston, TX; his brother, Larry Norwood (Anna Norwood) of Houston, TX; his sister Sharry Phillips of San Antonio, TX; and half-sister Lisa Bibbs. His legacy continues through nieces and nephews Tierra Phillips, Tiffany Phillips, Christopher Norwood, Jasmine Norwood, Lesley Norwood, LaKiesha Tolfree, Sherod and Jerod Adams (twins), as well as six great-nieces and great-nephews, two brother-in-laws, three sister-in-laws, and their children.

Barry was preceded in death by his mother, Mozelle Bell, father, Purvis Bibbs, Sr., stepfather, Simon “Frank” Bell, and his grandmother, Latha Norwood. His impact on the lives he touched and his dedication to education and family will forever be remembered.