Barbara Jean Parkes

Barbara Jean Parkes, born Barbara Jean Farmer on September 1, 1941, in Toledo, Ohio, peacefully passed away on August 25, 2025, surrounded by the love of her family. The second oldest of eight children, Barbara grew up in a lively household with seven sisters and one brother, the cherished children of Richard and Florence Farmer.

Barbara’s early years were shaped by the values and community spirit of her Catholic upbringing. She attended Catholic primary and secondary schools in Toledo, graduating from Notre Dame Academy in 1960. In 1963, Barbara married David Parkes, and together they raised four children: David, Kimberly, Kelly, and Jason. Their family journey took them from Toledo to Michigan to North Carolina, eventually settling in Texas in 1977. Barbara would go on to call the Arlington and Fort Worth area home for nearly half a century.

In the late seventies, Barbara began a new chapter with her beloved partner of over 30 years, Sharon Traylor, with whom she shared countless adventures until Sharon’s passing in 2014. Barbara’s professional life spanned more than 20 years in the retail industry. She began her career at Dillard’s, then moved to Sanger Harris, which later became Macy’s, where she worked until her retirement in 2003. Barbara’s dedication, warmth, and integrity left a lasting impression on colleagues and customers alike.

Barbara delighted in travel, especially road trips with Sharon and friends, exploring new places and savoring each experience. At home, she found joy swimming in her backyard pool, eating sweet treats and following her favorite TV show, "The Young and the Restless" but nothing delighted her more than rocking in her La-Z-Boy. Above all, Barbara expressed her affection through her love of cooking, preparing delicious meals that brought her family together and created lasting memories.

Barbara is lovingly remembered by her four children—David, Kimberly, Kelly, and Jason—and her seven adored grandsons: Zachary, Connor, and Noah (children of David), Tyler (child of Kimberly), Coleman and Cooper (children of Kelly), and Ethan (child of Jason). She also has a great-grandson, Oliver (Connor's son), who continues the all-boy tradition.

She is also survived by her siblings Pat, Vicky, Joanne, and Diane; her stepchildren Doug and Deanna; and her former husband Dave along with his wife Suellen. Barbara maintained a close and caring friendship with her sisters as well as Dave and Suellen, cherishing their regular phone conversations and the ongoing support they gave one another.

Preceding her in death was her parents Dick Farmer and Florence Winkler, her devoted partner Sharon, who shared over three decades of companionship and adventure; her loving siblings: Sally, Kathy, and Mike, who helped shape her joyful childhood; her father’s wife Barb who was like a sister to her; and her cherished mother-in-law, Doris, whose love, kindness and support enriched Barbara’s family life.

Whether you knew her as Barbara, Barb, Barbie, Mom or Grandma, she will be missed by her loved ones.

A burial service is scheduled for Thursday, September 4, 2025, at 10:00 am at Emerald Hills Funeral Home and Memorial Park, located at 500 Kennedale Sublett Road, Kennedale, TX 76060. The family will receive friends and relatives at the gravesite beginning at 9:45 am. A brunch reception will follow the service at Kim’s residence in Arlington.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial contributions be made to a charity of your choice. Condolences may be submitted through the Emerald Hills online guest book.