Barbara Ann (Hollingshead) Terry

Barbara Ann (Hollingshead) Terry, age 87 of Red Oak, Texas passed away peacefully on January 5, 2026. Barbara was born on July 4, 1938 in Laurel, Mississippi to Benjamin F. and Ada (Ezell) Hollingshead. From a young age, she possessed a remarkable curiosity and love of learning. She graduated high school at only 16 years old and went on to attend Tulane University, becoming one of the first four women ever admitted. Her passion for education never ended. Over the years, she earned bachelor’s degrees with studies in history, music, and education, and later continued her academic journey at El Centro College, studying art and Spanish. Learning, for Barbara, was not a phase of life, it was a lifelong companion. She began her teaching career at the age of 20, devoting decades to shaping young minds in several communities before retiring in Red Oak, Texas. Retirement did not slow her spirit; she continued serving as a substitute teacher and lovingly volunteered her time to help foreign students prepare for their GED, often tutoring them one-on-one in her own home. Music filled Barbara’s heart. She was an accomplished pianist and found great joy singing in choirs and ensembles throughout her life, often stepping into leadership roles as a director. Through her music and mentorship, she brought beauty, confidence, and inspiration to countless people. Barbara’s greatest pride, however, was her family. She not only lovingly raised her son and daughter, but also raised her beloved granddaughter, Crystal, as her own. She played a prominent and treasured role in the lives of her great-granddaughters, Layni and Kylie, who were the light of her later years. Known for her sharp wit and the occasional perfectly-timed zinger, Barbara balanced her serious, principled nature with warmth and humor. She adored shopping, especially from home while watching QVC, and took great pride in being a wonderful cook who cherished her kitchen, gadgets, Tupperware, and Pampered Chef. Her flashy jewelry, impeccable style, and graceful presence made her unforgettable to all who knew her. Barbara lived a life of quiet yet profound service. Though much of her generosity was given without fanfare, the depth of her impact can be seen in the countless lives she touched as an educator, musician, mentor, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She will be remembered as a woman of intelligence, talent, generosity, humor, and timeless class, whose beautiful legacy will continue through the family she loved so dearly and the many hearts she shaped along the way.

She is survived by her son David; daughter Tiffany; granddaughters: Crystal and Cassandra; granddaughters: Alli and Michala; great-granddaughter Kylie; great-grandchildren James and Evelyn; sister Mary and brother Charles. 

Funeral Service will be 2:00 PM Saturday, January 31, 2026 at Green Funeral Home -Red Oak, Texas.

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