Barbara Blakeney Dollens

1937 - 2025

Barbara Blakeney Dollens, 87, passed away on February 1, 2025 surrounded by family, in Big Spring, Texas. She was born on October 24, 1937, in Odessa, Texas and graduated from Kermit High School, Kermit, TX in 1956. She lived many years in Kermit before moving to California with her family. In California, she was a long term resident of Pleasant Hill, a community she adored. Late in life, she moved first to Atlanta, and then back to Texas to be near her sons. She was a resident at Parkview Rehab and Nursing Rehabilitation Center in Big Spring, TX for the past 2 years where she was lovingly known as Babs. The family is very thankful to have had such a wonderful staff to take care of her.
Barbara's professional journey began in banking before she transitioned into a successful career as a realtor in Contra Costa County, California. Her dedication and care made a lasting impact on those she worked with and the community she served.
Beyond her career, Barbara was a community leader and bible study teacher at Calvary Baptist Church in Lafayette, California. Barbara found joy in painting, hosting friends and neighbors for memorable dinner parties, and taking scenic drives along the California coast with her late husband. She had a deep love for her family and always encouraged those around her to be their best selves through her support, her mentorship, and her deep capacity for empathy. Her open and accepting heart combined with her profound curiosity and intelligence meant that she was interested not just in helping others but in learning from them, expanding her understanding of the world through new conversations and experiences.
Barbara is survived by her sons Drew Blakeney, O'Brian Blakeney, his wife Pattie, and Lee Blakeney and his wife Karen. Grandma Babs also leaves behind her cherished grandchildren Lynn Rogers (Cole), Ty Blakeney (Alex), and Matthew Blakeney, as well as her great-grandchildren Charli and Luke Rogers and nephew James (Jamie) Plumlee (Vikki). She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Ralph (Mickey) Dollens and her younger sister, Jimmie Plumlee.
Barbara's memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Sand Springs Baptist Church, PO Box 2257, Big Spring, TX 79720 in Barbara's name.
A memorial service will be held March 8, 2025 at 11:00am at Sand Springs Baptist Church, 201 E 24th, St, Big Spring TX.