Barbara Jean Spates

Our Mother, was a warm, compassionate and vibrant woman who always went out of her way to help others no matter what. She was a proud and dignified woman who had a passion for life. She had a wonderful sense of humor which endeared her to everyone she came in contact with and it is a great testament to her nature that she formed so many long lasting friendships over the years.
Barbara Jean Vinsonhaler (Mimi) was born on February 17th, 1939 oldest child to Charles MacArthur Vinsonhaler and Dorothy Mae Hawthorne. Barbara was baptized and confirmed in the historic sanctuary of Immanuel Lutheran Church where she was a lifelong member. She grew up in the Woodland Heights along with two younger brothers Charles and Shailer. She attended and graduated from the neighborhood schools Immanuel Lutheran, Hogg Junior and Reagan High. Soon Barbara Jean headed for independence and found herself attending Stephen F Austin college. During this time Barbara Jean's childhood sweetheart her constant companion Charles Edward Spates made the ultimate decision to spend fifty-seven years of married life together.
Our family grew raising three daughters, Michelle Renee, Karen Elizabeth and Laura Kathleen, along with cousins, neighborhood children and anybody else who walked through our door. Our Mother taught us many things as young girls that hold us today; GOD first, good manners, respect and sound moral values. These values have made us who we are and we thank her so very, very much.
We have incredible memories of taking dance classes, cheer-leading, softball, volleyball games, birthday parties and the over the top Christmas celebrations. Amongst our Mother's priorities was every Saturday night one by one we sat patiently as she applied the many pink sponge rollers in each of our heads. This was our mandatory preparation for Sunday school and Church attendance. As adults she became our best friend, advisor and confidante. Her greatest quality was to encourage us to make the best of everything and to face problems head on. She was a proud woman who believed that there was no obstacle that couldn't be overcome.
Barbara Jean Spates (Mimi) was called to her Heavenly home on Saturday, January 13th, 2018 surrounded by her family. She was preceded in death by her parents and husband. Mimi is survived by her beloved daughters, Michelle and her husband David Foster; Karen Evans; Laura and her husband Michael Morgan.
Mimi is the Grandmother of eight grandchildren whom she cherished: Joe Cunningham and his wife Heather, Timothy Cunningham, Amanda Foster; Taylor Evans and his wife Ninfa, Cory Evans, Kelli Evans; Justin Morgan, Brittany and her husband David Mathieu; and Jonathan Parnham and two great-grandchildren Taylor and Emily Cunningham. Mimi leaves two brothers and host of nephews, nieces, cousins, step-grandchildren, grandnieces and nephews along with many precious friends.
Mom (Mimi) your love, your patience, your understanding, your wisdom and your amazing sense of humor will live on inside us forever. You have given us gifts that are more precious than anything in this world. Mom (Mimi) you will always live on in our hearts.

In lieu of flowers on behalf of Barbara Spates please donate to:

Friends of Down Syndrome
5200 Mitchelldale St., Ste. D4
Houston, TX 77092
281-989-0345