Dr Raynal Bell Barber
September 1, 1935 ~ November 23, 2015
Dr. Raynal Bell Barber (80) of Dallas went to be with the Lord Monday, November 23, 2015. Dr. Barber was preceded in death by her husband of 37 years, Justice William A. Barber Jr., formerly of the Texas 5th District Court of Appeals at Dallas. Dr. Barber was born in Gurdon, Arkansas September 1, 1935, and was raised in Little Rock, Arkansas, where she graduated from Little Rock High School in 1953. Dr. Barber received her undergraduate education from Ouachita Baptist College and then earned a masters degree and doctoral degree from Texas Christian University. In 1966, Dr. Barber began a 27 year teaching career at Dallas Baptist University. She became the universitys first Distinguished University Professor and rose to the position of Chairperson, Department of English and Foreign Languages. Dr. Barber was considered an expert in the writings of British author C.S. Lewis and developed a class at the university on his writings. During the 1980s Dr. Barber hosted a book review program on Dallas radio station KCBI where she reviewed Christian books. In 2010, Dr. Barber was awarded the title of Professor Emeritus by the Board of Trustees of Dallas Baptist University. Dr. Barber was a longtime member of Calvary Baptist Church of Oak Cliff where she taught a Sunday school class for many years. She is survived by daughter Anna Barber of Linden, daughter Grace Barber-Jordan and son-in-law Michael Jordan of Cedar Park, son John Barber of Dallas, and grandchildren Catherine and Madeline Jordan. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that gifts be made to the Raynal Barber Endowed Scholarship Fund of Dallas Baptist University. https://webreg.dbu.edu/onlinedonation/onlinedonation.asp A memorial service celebrating the life of Dr. Barber will be held at the Pilgrim Chapel on the campus of Dallas Baptist University at 10:00 a.m. on December 14, 2015. A private family burial will be November 25, 2015 at Barber Cemetery, under the direction of Reeder-Davis Funeral Home in Hughes Springs. The family would like to thank the physicians and staff at Baylor University Medical Center, and Caregiver Connection for their compassionate and sacred care.
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Love to my little sister. I will miss you.
Dr. Raynal Barber has been a wonderful colleague and friend to me for many years. She was a brilliant teacher and scholar who also blessed many people with her kindness and love. I will miss her.
My sympathies to family and friends of Dr. Raynal Barber: Celebrate a life well lived; Ecclesiastes 3:12 tells us that it is good to rejoice and to do good during ones life and Psalm 46:1 tells us that Almighty God is a help during our distresses.
John, I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your mother. All your co-workers are thinking of you. Cecil Stewart, HPDPS
Im thinking of you and your family. The Lord is your strength always.
I remember Dr Barber as a very intelligent, dedicated Christian and professor. I was the Academic Dean in DBU in 1975-76 and will always remember her cheerful attitude and dedication.
Please accept my sincere condolences on your recent loss. May the God of peace, Jehovah, comfort you during this most difficult of times. Isaiah 25:8, Revelation 21:3,4
Dear Family,I would like to simply take a moment to salute your Mother whom I met many years ago with your Father at Friendship. My association covered a few years but left me with a lifetime of respect for both. Your Mom was a very kind & gracious person. Iamm grate that she & Will Arthur passed my way. Sincerely, Glen Dale
Once I finally passed Ester Watkins Freshman English Class (two attempts) I was then qualified to take Dr. Barbers Sophomore English Class. It was a blessing from Heaven itself each time her class met. I saw her as a woman of deep faith and constant prayer. Hence, I passed her course with an A – the one and only A I ever made in an English Class. I am her debtor forever. She will always be loved and appreciated. My prayers for her family.
You were a joy to work with at DBC/DBU. I always enjoyed being with you. God bless your family.
Dr. Barbers Sophomore English class at Texarkana College was a joy to attend and be blessed. She was a Christian and such a sweet personality. She touched many and helped us to move on looking into life with confidence and strength. God bless your family with care and comfort is my sincere prayer.
Sincere condolences to Dr. Barbers family. She was a very special woman, inside and outside the classroom at Dallas Baptist and a beautiful role model of not only learning, but also the Christian life.
I remember Mrs. Barber with great fondness. My deepest sympathy to her family.
Anna, Grace & John: Your mother gave me a life-long love of literature, and she was also an incredible spiritual influence on my life. She is one of my role models! My love to you all.Jana
To Grace, All your co-workers are thinking of you and your family during this time of sorrow. Sending our love and sympathies.-Your Friends at Austin Community College; Round Rock Campus