Carol Barker

Carol Lynn Barker passed away peacefully on Friday, July 18, in Rockwall, Texas, surrounded by her loving family and wrapped in a blanket of prayers.

Born in Beaumont, Texas, on August 26, 1945, to Oma and L.H. Warren, Carol graduated from Beaumont High School and went on to attend Lamar University. A proud member of Zeta Tau Alpha Fraternity, she completed her degree in Special Education in just three years, beginning a lifelong commitment to education and service.

Carol began her teaching career in La Marque ISD, where fate introduced her to the love of her life, David Barker. After a heartfelt courtship filled with handwritten letters, they were married on January 27, 1968, in Beaumont. The newlyweds began their journey together in College Station, where Carol worked at Texas A&M University while David completed his degree.

Their lives took them to San Antonio, where Carol taught in Alamo Heights ISD-famously buying Elvis concert tickets at the grocery store with a friend during her lunch break. Eventually, they settled in the Houston area, where Carol continued teaching in Spring Branch ISD and later focused on raising their three children: Kyle, Kelly, and Andrea. They made their home in Huntwick, became active members of Prince of Peace Catholic Community, and cultivated a vibrant circle of neighborhood friends.

Carol had a servant's heart. Whether volunteering at church, her children's schools, or in their activities, she gave generously of her time and talents. She was an engaged alumna of Zeta Tau Alpha, holding numerous leadership roles including District President at the national level. She built lifelong friendships wherever she lived, from her schools to her neighborhoods to the organizations she supported.

Once her children were grown, Carol returned to the classroom, teaching in Klein ISD, and later at Hancock Elementary in Cypress-Fairbanks ISD, where she mentored student teachers and nurtured young learners with the same care she gave her own children.

Carol embraced her most cherished role-Grandma-with joy and dedication. From the moment her grandsons, JD and Scott, entered the world, she was a constant, loving presence in their lives. She attended games, met their friends, and joined family trips, creating countless treasured memories.

Later in life, Carol and David built their dream home in Kerrville, Texas, where they spent 15 wonderful years. In Kerrville, she remained active in her community-mentoring students in Kerrville ISD, volunteering weekly at St. Vincent de Paul, and serving through several civic organizations. Following David's passing, Carol moved to Rockwall to be near her daughters and grandsons, continuing to share her warmth, wisdom, and love.

Carol is survived by her son Kyle Barker and his wife Jenny; daughter Kelly Webb and her husband Justin; daughter Andrea Barker; grandsons JD and Scott Webb; her brother Donald R. Warren of Bloomington, Indiana; nephews Will Warren of LIC, New York and Ben Warren of Bloomington, Indiana; cousin Jeannette Kuhlman of Beaumont, Texas; and many beloved extended family members; nieces, nephews, and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband David, her parents Oma and L.H. Warren, and her sister-in-law Beverly Warren.

A celebration of life will be held on Friday, August 15, at 10:00 a.m. at Forest Park East Cemetery in Webster, Texas, followed immediately by burial and a reception. In remembrance of Carol, memorial donations can be made to the Dietert Center, Dementia Care Advocate Program in Kerrville, Texas.

Carol's life was a testament to grace, love, and unwavering devotion to her family, faith, and community. Her legacy will live on in all who were lucky enough to know her.