Barbara Louise Blakeley

1931 - 2016

Barbara Louise Blakeley, 84, passed away at her home in Fort Worth, surrounded by family, on Saturday Oct. 1, 2016. Funeral: 10 a.m. Thursday at Wade Family Funeral Home, 4140 W. Pioneer Pkwy. in Arlington. Interment: Shannon Rose Hill Memorial Park, Fort Worth. Visitation: 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. Memorials: Donations can be made to the Alzheimer's Association, North Central Texas Chapter, 2630 W Freeway, Ste 100, Fort Worth, TX 73102, 817-336-4949. Barbara fought a decade-long battle with Alzheimer's before being taken by a blessedly short struggle with cancer. She was born in Clearwater, Fla., on Dec. 16, 1931, to James Jackson and Celia Louise Higdon. After several moves, the family settled in Corsicana after World War II. Barbara graduated from Corsicana High as salutatorian then attended North Texas State College in Denton where she earned both a Bachelor's and Master's degree in Education. While at North Texas, she met the love of her life, Clarence James Blakeley Jr. and the two were married in August of 1952. The couple settled in Fort Worth, where Barbara started her teaching career at Alice Carlson Elementary. She taught at schools across the city including Eastern Hills and Meadowbrook Elementary Schools, retiring in 1987. Barbara and C.J. were blessed with two daughters, Linda and Nanci. Barbara enjoyed serving as a Bluebird and Campfire Girl leader. The family also enjoyed frequent vacations with favorite destinations including Creede, Colo. and both the Texas and Florida Coasts. Barbara participated in many community organizations including the Fort Worth Garden Club, the Aeronautical Engineers Wives Club and Beta Sigma Phi service sorority where she earned her 50-year golden circle award in 2010. She and C.J. were also members of a Bridge group that has met monthly since the 1950s. The couple had an active retirement, travelling extensively, often with friends. They also enjoyed eating out, having breakfast nearly every morning at Skillet 'n Grill and frequent lunches at David's Barbecue in Pantego. Barbara's Christian faith sustained her throughout her life. Barbara had many loves including her family, cats (especially Little Cat), dachshunds, hummingbirds, books, travel, bluebonnets and children. The family would like to extend a special thank you to BrightStar caregivers Denise Olmstead and Leticia Munoz Navarro. Survivors: Those left to treasure her memory are her husband, C.J. Blakeley Jr.; daughters, Linda Blakeley (spouse, Gayle Minor) and Nanci Barthel (spouse, Robert); brother, Jim Higdon (spouse, Aloha); grandchildren, Katie Chinn (spouse, Jack) and Robbie Barthel (spouse, Tifani); great-grandchild, Elizabeth Chinn; and nephew, Chris Higdon.