Barbara Ellen Dockens

Barbara Ellen Dockens, age 77, of Willis, Texas, passed away on October 22, 2025.
Barbara was born on October 5, 1948, in Normangee, Texas, to parents Bernice and Jim
Bob Tarpley.
On December 19, 1969, she married the love of her life, Robert Earl Dockens. A devoted
homemaker, Barbara was a longtime resident of Willis and a faithful member of Calvary
Baptist Church for over 20 years. She had a great love for baseball and Dr. Pepper,
passions she joyfully passed down to her family. Barbara will be fondly remembered for
lovingly sewing baby quilts for each of her great-grandchildren and for her tradition of
waiting for trick-or-treaters every Halloween with a bowl full of Reese's Pieces. Her life was
a beautiful testament to love and was filled with laughter that will echo in the hearts of all
who knew her.
She is survived by her daughters Tammy Gilsdorf with husband Mike Gilsdorf and Kimberly
Berryhill with husband Sheldon Berryhill as well as her cherished grandchildren, Ashley,
Amy, Amber, and Leia; and her twelve adored greatgrandchildren, Colby, Kylee, Conner,
Ash, Soren, Cooper, Parker, Knox, Hayden, Wayne, Sawyer, and Lincoln. She is also
survived by numerous other relatives and friends.
Mrs. Dockens was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Robert Earl Dockens; her
parents, Bernice and Jim Bob Tarpley; and her siblings, Gloria (Chick) Struck and Bobby
Tarpley.
If you would wish to donate to the memorial fund then please give directly to Tammy
Gilsdorf or Kim Berryhill.