Barbara Jogerst

1931 - 2021

Barbara Caroline Ivy Jogerst
1931-2021
Barbara Caroline Ivy Jogerst, beloved by all, passed away peacefully on Saturday, the 6th of March 2021, in her long-time home. She was named after her paternal great-grandmother, Barbara Caroline Kinder Smith who lived near Cape Girardeau, MO. Barbara was born on the 4th of November 1931, in Houston, Texas and was the second of five children born to John Smith Ivy and Caro Gayle Ivy.
Barbara attended River Oaks Elementary for several years before moving to The Kinkaid School where she graduated as part of the original Richmond Guard. She attended Beloit College in Beloit, Wisconsin, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Anthropology and Archeology. Barbara followed family tradition and became a proud member of Delta Delta Delta sorority like her mother, aunt and sister. While at Beloit, Barbara met her lifelong partner, Allen "Yogi" Jogerst. Their wonderful marriage lasted 64 years.
Barbara was dedicated to her large, extended family and in later years became the glue that held the ever-growing family together. Barbara always put others and their needs before her own. She taught Sunday school at her church when her children were young and she volunteered in a variety of school activities including the annual Book Fair and Field Day at The Kinkaid School where her children, nieces and nephews were in attendance. She continued her commitment to the school later by serving on the Alumni Board.
Barbara had the amazing ability to connect with anyone and everyone regardless of their background. As a native Houstonian, she loved her city and gave much of her time to the community as a volunteer through the Junior League of Houston where she held various leadership roles including that as a board member. She later used that community experience and knowledge in her role as a trustee of the W.T. and Louise J. Moran Foundation where she guided many impactful grants. Barbara had a keen business sense and assisted her brothers in managing the family business interests following the death of her parents. She was also a member of the River Oaks Country Club.
Barbara was a creative and adventurous spirit who loved to travel off the beaten path whether it was in the mountains of Oaxaca, the foothills of the Pyrenees or exploring remote beaches. She also loved challenges and learning new skills. In her mid-forties she tried her hand at bronze sculpture. In her sixties Barbara tackled creative writing. First, by writing a series of short stories focused on her childhood memories. Her foray into writing culminated with the publication of the book, Paul Swank: Enduring Hero, which documented the World War II experiences of her first cousin who led an OSS operation group in Southern France. The book was released during the summer of 2019 coinciding with the 75th anniversary of Paul's death.
Barbara was also a courageous person; she always faced the challenges presented to her head on. In 2008 she was diagnosed with esophageal cancer. She endured chemotherapy, radiation and a complex surgery that reconstructed her esophagus. She was forever grateful to the team at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center that allowed her to begin what she called her "second life". She faced cancer gracefully once again when diagnosed in December of 2020 with pancreatic cancer.
Barbara was predeceased by her parents, her brother, John S. Ivy. Jr., her sister, Caro Ivy Walker and her husband, Allen Lloyd Jogerst. She is survived by her daughter, Barbara Caroline Jogerst Sabin and husband, William Marshall Sabin and her son Allen L. Jogerst, Jr. and his wife, Judy Saroff Jogerst; her grandchildren, Colin Sevier Sabin, William Finlay Sabin and his fiancé, Emily Konkol, Benjamin Fort Sabin, Kristianna Maria Jogerst Webster and husband, Michael and Aleksandr Nicholas Jogerst and wife, Kaycie Kotas Jogerst; her sister, Mary Ivy Farr and brother, Conway Gayle Ivy and his wife, Diane Cole Ivy, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
A celebration of Barbara's incredible life will be held in the great hall of The Children's Museum of Houston located at 1500 Binz on Saturday, March 27, 2021 at 10:30 am following a private inurnment at St. Martin's Episcopal Church.
In lieu of the usual remembrances, memorial contributions may be directed to M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston Hospice, The Children's Museum of Houston at: https://1110.blackbaudhosting.com/1110/Total-ContributionsGeneral-Operations or a charity of your choice.