Barbara Jeane Willard

Barbara Jeane Willard, 92, of Waco peacefully passed away on May 24, 2025. She was a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend whose life was marked by love, dedication, and service.

Barbara was born October 7, 1932 in Richmond, Virginia to the late Joseph Alvin Martin and Nellie Lee (Britton) Martin. She attended schools in Richmond, graduating from John Marshall High School in 1951. On June 17, 1953, in Wichita Falls, Texas, Barbara married her soulmate, Dan Willard. They began their journey together, moving to Waco in August 1954. Barbara's professional life was equally dedicated: she worked at WORD Inc before serving as secretary to the Superintendent at Robinson Independent School District from 1970 to 1978. Their lives took them to Lufkin, Texas, where Barbara continued her service in education, working with Lufkin ISD as secretary to the counselor and attendance clerk. Following her retirement on January 31, 1993, Barbara and Dan returned to the Waco/Lorena area, eager to enjoy their years together. However, their journey was marked with heartbreak when Dan passed away on August 7, 1994.

In her later years, Barbara found joy in her part-time work at Baylor University for six years. As life continued to unfold, she moved to Temple to be closer to her daughter, Dana, and then to Tomball to be near her son, Scott.

In addition to her professional accomplishments, Barbara was very active in the First Baptist Church of Robinson, where she sang in the choir and frequently performed solos. Her commitment to her faith and her love for music were cornerstones of her life, and she found joy in expressing her beliefs through song.

Barbara is remembered fondly by her surviving family, which includes her daughter, Dana Jean Thomas and husband, Ed of Piedmont, Oklahoma; her son, Scott Willard and wife, Amye of Tomball, Texas; along with her cherished grandchildren, Kacie Avery and husband, Jason, Katie Williams and husband, John Spinks, Morgan McKnight and husband, Chris, Mandi Elliott and husband, Kollin, Ashley Shumaker, Malaree Willard, and Maggie Willard; great-grandchildren, Britt Avery and wife, Ashlyn, Kyleigh Whitton and husband, Kolton, Kaitleigh Avery, Molly Spinks, Jackson Spinks, Gracie Williams, and Kinsleigh Avery; and great-great-grandchildren, Kase McKnight, Elijah McKnight, Jason Avery, and Kaylin Whitton. Barbara held a special place in the hearts of her brother, J.D. Thompson of Quinton, Virginia and many nieces and nephews.

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph Alvin Martin and Nellie Lee Britton Martin; her beloved husband, Dan Willard; and her great grandson, Heston Hayes Avery. As we remember and celebrate her life, we take solace in the love and memories she created with those around her.

A graveside service to commemorate Barbara's life and legacy will be held on May 28, 2025, at Waco Memorial Park beginning at 11:00 AM.