Barbara Pryor

Barbara Ann
Gaulding Pryor, 68, was born in Louisville, Kentucky, on February 23,1945, to James Franklin andEthel Harriet Gaulding. She joined her brother Jack (Gaulding) and sister Jean (Wylie). She grew up in Dallas Texas, and attended Bryan Adams High School. She met her eventual husband Woodrow Wilson Pryor in Biology class as a sophomore, and, after their first date, they never broke up. She attended North Texas State University and majored in History and Spanish. She married Woody on March 17, 1967, shortly before he began his service in the United States Army. Jean Angelina was born on July 29,1968, while Woody served in Vietnam. Holli Virginia came early on December 30, 1971. Our family settled in Katy in July of 1979, and Barbara started working for Katy Independent School District.
Her love of education was lifelong. She taught Spanish and History to junior high students, who she believed were the most under served group of children. She was an innovative and active teacher with high expectations of her students and co-workers. In 1995, she left Mayde Creek Junior High to work as a district curriculum specialist. She became Curriculum Principal of Katy High School in 1998 and officially retired in 2003. She continued working on part time projects until 2008, when she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. She battled until April 17, 2013, when she died at home with Woody and her daughters present.
Barbara loved history, sewing, pottery, and home grown flowers. She was an adventurous cook, a veracious reader, and loved all objects handmade. She greatly enjoyed the company of her friends, who were always available for support. She believed in good manners, problem solving, and that complaining is unnecessary. She was an amazing mother, always generous with encouragement and love. She cherished her grandchildren, Avery, Emily, Caroline, Olivia, Patrick, and William, and often gave in to their sweet smiles. She appreciated her friendships with her brother and sister.
Most of all, Barbara loved Woody, her husband of 46 years. They were patient travel partners, best friends, and excellent parents. Inseparable, they are a wonderful example of marriage and friendship. Woody meticulously and lovingly cared for her as her illness progressed.
Barbara always encouraged those around her to look for the joy in life. Her faith in God and her belief that God is good sustained her.
In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to Katy Christian Ministries (ktcm.org) or Friends of Katy Branch Library. The family will hold a memorial service to celebrate Barbara's life on Saturday, April 20, 2013, at 3 pm at Holy Covenant United Methodist Church in Katy, Texas. A reception will follow.