FRANCES JENKINS BARNEY

1926-2021

Frances Jenkins Barney passed away on August 20, 2021 in Wimberley, Texas at the home of her daughter.

She fought to stay with us for as long as she could.

Frances was born Doris Frances Jenkins on October 29, 1926 in Chicago, Illinois, but she got to Texas as soon as she could.

Frances graduated in 1943 from Fair Park High School in Shreveport, Louisiana, where she participated in the ROTC. Soon after, on

Oct, 13, 1944, Frances wed her high school sweetheart, Charles Lester Barney, to whom she was married for 73 years. Frances always had a soft spot for Shreveport and returned there for the births of all three of her children, sons Jerry and Randy and daughter Merilyn.

After Charles came home from serving in the U.S. Navy in the Pacific, he and Frances returned to Louisiana State University, where Frances worked for the Department of Entomology and Charles played football. Following decades of travel, Frances and Charles settled in Houston for a great many years.

Charles’ work in the petroleum industry took them on adventures all over the world, but that did not define who Frances was. She was defined by her family and friends, whom Frances worked diligently to never let go of, no matter how far she roamed. As a child of the Great Depression, Frances never lost her need to care for and preserve everything and everyone she loved in her life.

Upon her passing, close friends and family were invited to provide a sentence that summed up Frances’ impact on their lives.

“Frances Barney, we learned from you how to deal with life graciously, unselfishly, and always giving undivided attention. Well done and we will never forget.” – Kevin, friend

“Through her example I have learned kindness, patience, perseverance, forgiveness, and how to keep a family together.” – Margaret, daughter-in-law

“Most of my favorite memories of Grandma include sitting on her lap. She was easy to talk to and made me feel like she was so interested in what I was talking about. I’m sure she couldn’t have been as enthralled as she seemed, but she sure had me fooled.” – Kerri, granddaughter

“She was a strong, beautiful grandmother, who was always there for me when I needed her and taught me to love French toast and devotion to family.” – Tracy, granddaughter

“Grandma was a kindeyed, selfless nurturer. Pure warmth, compassion, and love. She was everything a grandma should be.” – Becki, granddaughter

“While I did not enter the family until the age of five, Grandma had a remarkable gift for making me feel special, welcome, loved, and never for an instant different from her other grandchildren.” – Liz, granddaughter

“A gracious and classy lady, kind and helpful to all.” – Mike, nephew

“She was always smiling, pleasant to be around and genuinely enjoyed people. I always thought of her as a kind big sister.” – Mel, brother-in-law

“My mother was always there for her children, for better or worse.” – Randy, son

“An amazing, loving matriarch with a kind heart.” – Pat, daughter-in-law

“Mom’s greatest gifts to me are a dry sense of humor and a model for unconditional love.” – Jerry, son

“Frances was a beautiful person. Always happy to see you and made you feel like family.” – Paula, caregiver

“Mrs. B was a beautiful, loving, loyal, grand lady with a captivating smile.” – Donna, personal secretary

“Anyone who knew Frances knew she was one of the most loving and gracious ladies anyone could ask for.” – Stefani, caregiver

“Frances Barney was the kindest person I knew. Someone worth spending your life next to.” – Melissa caregiver

“Frances loved much and was much loved. She was fun to travel with, had a wry sense of humor and will always be remembered.” – Rafael, son-in-law

“Frances = love, kindness, friendship, authenticity, generosity, and a strong constitution…the mold was broken when she left us. I will miss her…until then.” – Virginia, friend

“Frances always had caring words for each of us, taking time to ask about our families or how we felt that day. She had a way of making you feel like you were old friends.” – Joan, caregiver

“The best darn grandma that ever lived, who gave nothing but unbridled and unconditional love to her children and grandchildren.” – Justin, grandson

“My mother and I were best friends my entire life (except for that brief phase when I was 13, for which I apologized). We laughed together through the good times and the tough times. Her sense of humor is what I will miss the most.” – Merilyn, daughter

“The sweetest woman

I ever met. She was like a sister to me. And if you get to heaven and she is not there, you are in the wrong place.” – Harvey, brother-in-law

Frances is preceded in death by her husband Charles Barney, parents Ruth Blalack Jenkins and Milton Jenkins, brother Milton “Jenky” Jenkins, Jr., sister-in-law Carolyn Barney, nephew Wayne Jenkins, and niece Donna Barney.

She is survived by her brother Donald Jenkins, children Jerry and Margaret Barney, Randy and Pat Barney, and Merilyn Barney and Rafael Castanet, brothersand sister-in-law Melvin Barney and Harvey and Grace Barney, grandchildren Tracy Barney, Justin Barney, Kerri and David Taylor, Becki and Mike Hayes, and Liz Selsor, great-grandchildren Austin and Maddie Falwell, Jackson and Piper Barney, Eden and Everleigh Hayes, and Travis, Rebecca, and Sarah Taylor, niece Barbara Barney, nephews Mike Barney, Gary Jenkins, and Jeb Barney, and many other beloved family members and friends.

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 27, 2021 at The Turquoise Treasure Retreat, 700 FM 2325, Wimberley, Texas 78676.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Live Oak Living Community, 7343 FM 621, Martindale, Texas 78655.