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Barbara Hollifield Obituary
Dec 1, 1942 - Sep 25, 2025
Barbara Lynn Read Hollifield, 82, of Birmingham, Alabama, passed away at her home on September 25, 2025. Later in life, she became affectionately known as "Baba" to her family.
Born in Mart, Texas, on December 1, 1942, Barbara was the daughter of Norman and Vanita Read. She attended the University of North Texas and went on to build a varied and successful career. She tried on many hats, from selling portraits for Olan Mills to ultimately retiring with SABRE (a division of American Airlines), all while raising her children with devotion and care. After moving to Maryland, she worked at a memory care facility before returning to Texas, and eventually settled in Birmingham, Alabama, to be near her son and his family.
In 1964, Barbara married her college sweetheart, Pat Hollifield, and together they built a loving home filled with laughter, travel, and adventure. She will be remembered for her joyful laugh, her love of cooking and shopping, her enthusiasm for card games and sweets, and her boundless generosity toward family and friends.
Barbara is survived by her husband of 61 years, Pat; their two children, Todd (Erin) and Suzanne (Dawn); her sister, Edwina Manthei; nine beloved grandchildren who were her pride and joy: Madelyn, Cate, Emma, Corbin, Hampton, Grace, Kane, Hunter, Jayne (EJ); and two great-grandchildren, Dani and Jayci. She was preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Lana Carter.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 11, 2025, at 10 a.m., at All Saints Episcopal Church in Homewood, Alabama. A second service will take place on Saturday, October 18, 2025, in Mart, Texas. The committal will be held at the local cemetery at 10 a.m., followed by lunch at 11:30 a.m., and a service at 1 p.m., both at Mart United Methodist Church.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Hoover Parks Foundation. Please note "Senior Center in memory of Barbara Hollifield" in the comments box, as this was where Barbara found a wonderful community of friends. www.hooverparksfoundation.com/donate
Baba's life was a testament to love and generosity, and she will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
Memories and Condolences
for Barbara Hollifield
5 Entries
Hoover Senior Center Staff
October 11, 2025
Sweet Barbara was a blessing to those who knew her. She will be missed by her friends at the Hoover Senior Center.
Lili (Gingras) Purslow
October 6, 2025
Barbara was a beautiful soul with a loving heart. She brought so much joy and kindness to this life and she will be forever missed by many. My deepest condolences to her amazing family who all carry the same tremendous love and kindness.
Susan Reeves
October 6, 2025
So many good memories of time with our S and B sister! Always welcoming and a joy to be with. She loved creating clever items for us as the seasons arrived. Barbara will be missed in this life, but I give thanks that God's promises are true and she has risen in glory.
Gene and Lisa Bujnoch
October 5, 2025
Barbara was one of a kind, generous, complimentary, selfless, and a devoted mother. No matter what the adventure, she was 100% onboard. She will be missed, but will live on through her spirit
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