Barbara Helen Mincer

BARBARA HELEN MINCER (Douglas) 8/29/1935-12/26/2025

Barbara was born in Fouke Arkansas to Beatrice and Bernard Douglas. She was joined by siblings Sarah and Ralph and soon they were to be raised by their mother and grandmother,Lucy Baker, in Texarkana Arkansas, with some time also spent living in Pennsylvania. Hers was a story of true grit, determination, love and loyalty to her family as she would be relied upon,starting at the tender age of four,to assist in her younger sibling's care. Once an adult herself, she continued to support her mother, grandmother sister and brother her entire life.

Barbara met Sam Epperson and in 1950 at only 15 and 17 years of age they married. Two years later they welcomed Bobby Ray and 18 months later, Debi. They moved to Tyler Texas in 1956, joined The First Christian Church and began to raise their family there. Younger baby brother, Jeff was later born in Tyler.

Barbara and Sam became active members of the church participating in many church functions. Barbara chartered and directed the well established first Mother's Day Out Program at FCC in 1966. She was also a talented contributor to the annual church bazars with her hand cut/painted wooden ornaments and hand sewn aprons. She continued to develop her sewing and painting skills and eventually opened her own shop on S. Broadway, BARBARA'S PAINTIN' PLACE, where she sold artists supplies, taught Tole and Decorative painting and hosted visiting artists.

In 1981 Barbara married Dr. Harry H. Mincer of Memphis Tn. It is there that Barbara resided for the remainder of her very happy life with Harry until his passing in 2021. Harry embraced Barbaras entire family and his absence has been a great loss to all of us. At this time Barbaras daughter chose to move her to Austin in order to be closer to her for her remaining years. Barbara made many good friends at Belmont Village in Austin and Debi loved having her so close by that she could visit her several times a week. It was a joyful time for them both.

Internment for Barbara and Harry will take place May 2, 2026. We will gather at the Mt. Nebo Cemetery, (Hempsted Cty, 57 and 146), Patmos Arkansas, at 10am with services to begin inside the adjacent & historic Sweet Home Baptist Church, at 11am. Internment services taking place just outside the church in the old family cemetery. Barbara will rest alongside her beloved mother, grandmother, dearest Harry and other family members.

She is survived by her daughter, Debi Flanagan(Epperson), son, Jeff Epperson(Karen), Daughter-in-law, Georganne Epperson, Step children, Richard Mincer(Debra), Wendy Mincer, Cyndie Fogarty (Larry), Matthew Mincer (Kaori) Also 14 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her beloved mother grandmother, sister and brother. Also her favorite child, Bobby Ray and the love of her life, Harry.