Our dear mother passed from Earth and into God’s hands on Wednesday, March 20, 2013.
Barbara Swope Caraway was a native of Beaumont, but spent many years in Crystal Beach until relocating to Wimberley, Texas in 2008. Our hearts are broken and we deeply mourn our loss.
Barbara was a graduate of Beaumont High School. She was a Christian from birth and adored the ministries of Christ. Her heart was pure and she was blessed with a quiet love and demeanor, always considering the needs of others before her own. In 1999, Barbara received a heart-transplant at UTMB in Galveston, and despite many years of severe illness and recovery, Barbara fought her battle like a warrior; she was nothing short of a true inspiration to everyone. Her love for her family was unconditional and unwavering throughout her ordeal. Friends will remember Barbara’s loyalty; she enjoyed cooking for people, often hopping in her car to take meals to elderly friends or family members.
She loved her grandchildren. With her healthy heart, she was able to see ten grandchildren grow from infancy to graduation, play sports, dance, sing and have fun which gave her immense joy. That was Barbara; thoughtful and ever-loyal to the people she loved so dearly.
Survivors include her husband, James P. Caraway of Wimberley; brothers, Tom Swope and his wife, Veronica; and Richard Swope and his wife, Kathleen, all of Beaumont; daughters, Heidi Meaux and her husband, Brett, of Wimberley; and Ingrid Avera and her husband, Robert, of Orlando, Florida; sons, Jarrett “Cook” Swanson and his wife, Carrie, of Wimberley; and Chris Swanson and his, wife Emily, of Beaumont; step-daughter, Kelly Caraway of Wimberley; grandchildren, Chase and Phoebe Philmon; triplets, Harrison, Savannah and Hunter Massey; Cole Swanson; Bailey, Scout and Rowdie Swanson; and McKinly Bunn.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Tom and Aileen Swope of Beaumont.
A gathering of Barbara’s family and friends will be from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., Friday, March 22, 2013, at Broussard’s, 2000 McFaddin Avenue, Beaumont. Her funeral service will be at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, March 23, 2013, at Broussard’s, with interment to follow at Magnolia Cemetery, where she will be laid to rest next to her beloved father, Tom Swope.
Barbara’s family would like to send their love and thanks to countless family members and friends for their support over the years. They would also like to extend their deepest gratitude to Dr. Scott Lick and medical professionals at UTMB for Barbara’s ongoing heart care, and the wonderful staff at Hospice of the Hills for their warmth and compassion in her final months.
