Barbara graduated from Tolentine High School in 1959. An accomplished student, a champion athlete and highly-demanded stage actress, she was marked early as a leader, a trusted counselor and one who would always accomplish what she committed herself to. Barbara's talent and commitment together with her ability to bring joy to all her co-workers would lead her through many occupations from the engineering team that developed TELSTAR, the world's first communications satellite -- through teaching at the elementary level and ultimately to cattle rancher.
All these opportunities would fade into the background as Barbara began her life's work as the anchor of her family. Married to Brian in 1962, their family grew quickly. With 5 children to steer toward productive, meaningful and faith-filled lives, this work was challenging, rewarding and demanded the full deployment of Barbara's many talents. In this work, Barbara was aided by her unshakeable Faith in the goodness of God and the importance of inviting Him into your life. Together with that faith and Barbara's ever-present good will, she succeeded. All would agree she managed to guide with a light, steady hand that would bring encouragement to the downhearted as she helped them through the many challenges young people face. Barbara found ways to make the difficulties into opportunities and the disappointments into milestones on life's journey.
From mother to grandmother seemed to be a seamless transition. With 16 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren, Barbara's calendar was filled with birthdays, holidays and many special occasions. It would not be a mistake to believe that each grandchild could feel as ''Grandma's special'' as no birthday or accomplishment would go unrewarded.
As the family members grew independent - a major goal Barbara set early - she had time to engage in community activities. She enjoyed all the companionship and sense of purpose she derived from her jobs as a board member of The Cotton Museum, Salvation Army, DAR, Spade and Trowel and others. Barbara's proudest moment may have come when she was part of the team that planned the expansion of our local hospital. No longer would the ill and infirm have to travel to Dallas for their medical needs.
Barbara is survived by her husband Brian, her children and their spouses Brian and Amy Cullen, Elizabeth and Neil Beasley, Patricia and Bill Turpin, Juliet and Eric MacDonald, and Mary and Hunter Conger; her grandchildren William (Emily), Sarah, Elaine (Alex), Sean (Michelle), Michael, Emily Jane, Megan, Claire, Kaley, Brian, Claudia, Abigail, Christopher Major, Catie, Julia Grace, and Maddie; five great grandchildren Savannah, Thomas, Penelope, Sean, and Theodore; as well as her sisters Judy Jeselson and Dotsy (Richard) Colt and many adored friends, cousins, nieces and nephews.
She is preceded in death by her parents, who will undoubtedly rejoice with her in God's glory.
A visitation will be held from 6:00 P.M. to 7:30 P.M. Monday, November 6, 2023, at Coker-Mathews Funeral Home (5100 Interstate 30, Greenville). A rosary will follow from 7:30 A.M. to 8:00 P.M. A Funeral Mass will be at Our Lady of the Lake (1305 Damascus Rd, Rockwall) at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, November 7, 2023.
The light she carried illuminated us all. It is up to us to carry it forward.
Condolences(11)
Molly Quiles
Waterford, CT Monday, November 6, 2023 Thinking of you, Uncle Brian, and the beautiful family you and Aunt Barbara created. May your memories carry you all on your most difficult days. Keeping you all in my daily thoughts and prayers.Love,
Molly Cullen Quiles and family
Kathleen Toole
Campbell, TX Monday, November 6, 2023 Barbara Cullen was the perfect lady—gracious, positive, kind, lovely, industrious, but most of all, Godly. She was nurturing to her children and everyone with whom she came in contact. My memories of her will forever encourage me to be more like the person she was. My heart breaks for the family in the loss of her, but I rejoice as they are rejoicing in the promise of what Barbara is enjoying in Heaven and in our reunion one day as those who have invited Jesus into their lives!Kathleen Toole
Campbell, TX Monday, November 6, 2023 Barbara Cullen was the perfect lady—gracious, positive, kind, lovely, industrious, but most of all, Godly. She was nurturing to her children and everyone with whom she came in contact. My memories of her will forever encourage me to be more like the person she was. My heart breaks for the family in the loss of her, but I rejoice as they are rejoicing in the promise of what Barbara is enjoying in Heaven and in our reunion one day as those who have invited Jesus into their lives!Sara Maguire
Indialantic, FL Sunday, November 5, 2023 On behalf of the Rowlette Family, I want to send all our love and prayers for each of you. Your mom held a special place in our hearts. She always greeted us with a smile, listened with unconditional love, and always laughed with us over silly stories. There is no doubt her new title is “St. Barbara”. RIP Mrs. Cullen. We were blessed to know you🙏❤️Sara Maguire
Indialantic, FL Sunday, November 5, 2023 On behalf of the Rowlette Family, I want to send all our love and prayers for each of you. Your mom held a special place in our hearts. She always greeted us with a smile, listened with unconditional love, and always laughed with us over silly stories. There is no doubt her new title is “St. Barbara”. RIP Mrs. Cullen. We were blessed to know you🙏❤️Evan Goen
Plano, TX Sunday, November 5, 2023 One of the nicest ladies I ever met. My condolences to the Cullen family.Karen McClellen
Greenville, TX Thursday, November 2, 2023 My heart is sad for Brian, Mary and all the family and my prayers are with you.My heart rejoices for the kind, loving, caring Barbara that will live on, in our memories.
I treasure all the times we were together, in Comet Club, ACS, and working/watching our children grow and bloom, at Phoenix School.
Barbara, Hug Maggie Cates for me and know you were 2 of the BEST role models I’ve ever had!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️
Felipe Silveira
Powder Springs, GA Thursday, November 2, 2023 May God bring comfort to the heart of the whole familyPrayers and thoughts sent
Linda Williams
Greenville, TX Thursday, November 2, 2023 I am so very sorry for the loss of this amazing woman. Every time I think of Barbara I will think smart, sweet, kind, loving, wonderful wife and grandmother, friend, and especially her beautiful smile. My condolences to your family.Art and Nancy Hobbs
Frisco, TX Wednesday, November 1, 2023 I recruited Brian and Barbara to join E-Systems in 1985 and from the beginning I knew that they were special people and a special couple. Nancy and I will always cherish the memories of our times together with them. Barbara was a Godly woman who touched the lives of so many people in positive way and she will be greatly greatly missed.Eric MacDonald
El Paso, TX Wednesday, November 1, 2023 I am so fortunate to be a son-in-law of this amazing women - mi suegra. Kindness wrapped in glamour with an amazing presence. She meaningfully impacted a lot of lives - particularly in Hunt County Texas.The world is a sadder place without Barbara Cullen.