Barbara “Bobbie” J. Bradley, 76, died peacefully Saturday, August 8, 2015, surrounded by her loving daughters. She was a native of Beaumont, but has lived in Katy for the past four years. She was a charter member of Amelia Baptist Church of Beaumont. For many years, she joyfully taught Sunday School and Vacation Bible School.
Barbara was born on May 3, 1939, in Beaumont, to Oliver Wendell Holmes and Teresia Legato Highsmith. She attended school at South Park and met the love of her life the summer before her senior year. David “Pineknot” and Barbara “Bobbie” were married on September 29, 1956. They made their home and raised their three daughters in the Amelia neighborhood of Beaumont.
She was a homemaker until 1981, when she ventured into becoming a business owner. Her daughter, Charlene, was her business partner in a florist called Colonial House West. Together, Charlene and Barbara carved out their niche in floral design. They were quite successful but eventually sold the business to concentrate more on family responsibilities.
Barbara’s love of flowers, nature, crafts, good food, needle work, traveling, and family were something that stayed with her throughout her entire life. She loved to have large family gatherings at the holidays where she proudly displayed her finest collections of antique glassware.
She is survived by her brothers, O.W. “Butch” Holmes and Terry Highsmith; her sister, Darlene Reeves; her daughters, Charlene Bolen Edwards and her husband, Reece; Patty Gonsky and her husband, Edward; and Linda Largent Whitfield and her husband, Darryle; her beloved grandchildren, Alex Gonsky; Lauren Gonsky; Kaylin Largent Taylor and her husband, Dusty; Brennen Largent; Royce Whitfield; and Kristen Bolen; and one great-grandchild, Reagan Taylor.
She is preceded in death by her husband, David “Pineknot” Bradley; her grandson, Colby Michael Bolen; her son in law, John Edward Largent; her sister, Betty Andrews; and her parents.
A gathering of Mrs. Bradley’s family and friends will be from 5:00 p.m until 9:00 p.m., Monday, August 10, 2015, at Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont. Her funeral service will be at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, August 11, 2015, at Broussard’s, with interment to follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Beaumont. Her grandchildren and sons-in-law will honor Barbara by serving as her pallbearers.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Amelia Baptist Church Children’s Ministry, 8055 Brighton Street, Beaumont, Texas 77707.
The family would like to especially thank Barbara’s faithful caregiver, Andreá, and her caring canine companion, Little Man. You filled her live with much joy.
We know that our body—the tent we live in here on earth—will be destroyed. But when that happens, God will have a home for us to live in. It will not be the kind of home people build here. It will be a home in heaven that will continue forever. - 2 Corinthians 5:1
