Born November 24th, 1959 in Hampton, Virginia at Langley Air Force Base to Neil E Byers and Emma Jean Shaddox Byers and died at her home surrounded by loved ones on Mother's Day, May 11th, 2025.
A memorial service will be Friday, May 16th, at 2:00 pm at the chapel of Coker-Mathews Funeral Home in Greenville, TX. A visitation will be held at 1:00 p.m. until service time. In lieu of flowers, we request a donation to Greenville Christian School or to your charity of choice.
Her family moved to Greenville, TX in 1965 and she graduated from Greenville High School in 1978. She then went on to graduate from East Texas State University in 1981 and during that time she owned and operated a gymnastics studio in Sulphur Springs, TX.
After graduating she started teaching at Commerce ISD, which led to a 42 year career in education with teaching roles at Campbell, Greenville, and Bland ISDs and leadership roles as assistant principal and principal at Greenville High School. Teaching was her calling, it wasn't just a profession, she instilled the love of learning in each student she taught. This love of teaching was evident by how her students excelled and grew under her guidance and leadership. She believed that every student could learn and achieve their potential - failure was not an option in Mrs. Barrow's class! She wasn't just their teacher, she was their friend, supporter, cheerleader, and their greatest ally.
She married shortly after college in 1983 to the love of her life Howard Barrow and over 41 years had two wonderful sons and built a life they loved on 200 acres Northeast of Greenville, raising cattle and cutting hay. After she 'retired' they traveled in their RV to George Strait concerts, to the beach and mountains with friends, and loved hanging out with their granddaughter, Nora Emery.
She was a wonderful mother, supporting her boys, setting high expectations, and wouldn't let those stinkers get away with anything. She led with love, allowing them to try and fail, learn the lessons of responsibility, and also have fun along the way. They were never short on pets (although they had short life spans on the ranch), encouragement, surprises (like a potbelly pig named Hattie), or love.
She was a constant learner and explorer, getting her Masters at East Texas State years after graduating from there. She designed and wore her Chickickers custom cowgirl boots that everyone loved on her, but no one else would be daring enough to wear. When she walked into the room, everyone was drawn to her and she would light it up with smiles and laughter with both friends and strangers who were about to be friends. She was a perfect combination of bold, kind, and the life of the party - always searching for a perfectly cooked steak, lobster and a baked potato with a side of ketchup.
Those folks in the front rows - Howard Barrow, her loved and loving husband, sons Neil Barrow (and wife Morgan and light of Karen's life Nora) and Jace Barrow. Her sisters Becky Berry (and husband Ricky) and Betty Estes (and husband Steve).
Condolences(27)
Michael Heine
Greenville, TX Thursday, May 15, 2025 My condolences and prayers go out to you, Howard and Karen’s family.Marcia Fielden
Pittsburg, TX Thursday, May 15, 2025 Howard, Mike and I are so sorry, I had no idea Karen was so sick. Just know that we love you and will be praying for you and Neil and Jace. Loved Karen so much. ❤️Susan Bell Miller
Greenville, TX Wednesday, May 14, 2025 Howard,Karen Jo was the first person, besides family, that reached out to me after losing my husband 10 years ago. I know she’s with the angels, because she was an angel on earth. I will never forget her smile and laugh. She had such a kind, loving and giving heart. My prayers are with you and your family. Much love to you all.
Susan
Lonnieda Ramey
Garland, TX Wednesday, May 14, 2025 I was so shocked and saddened to hear of Karen's passing. She was a beautiful lady, inside and out. Lifting up prayers for Howard and the whole family as you go through this difficult season. I know you will find comfort in our Lord and in all the wonderful memories of days gone by.Kim Mayfield
Tyler, TX Wednesday, May 14, 2025 Howard I have placed you, the boys/men and Nora in my heart right next to where KJ will always be.Lance and Mary Jo Denton
Greenville, TX Tuesday, May 13, 2025 What an awesome person and may she walk peacefully with our Lord.Jim and Elena Hardaway
Greenville, TX Tuesday, May 13, 2025 Our deepest condolences and sympathy to the Barrow.Bill Adcock
Lucas, TX Tuesday, May 13, 2025 I am very sorry to hear this. Prayers and Condolences to her family.Diane and Lyle Risius
Normal, IL Tuesday, May 13, 2025 So sorry and shocked to hear this. Karen was always so kind. Prayers to Howard, Neil and Jace.Judy Noe Williams
Dallas, TX Tuesday, May 13, 2025 I had the privilege of being a cheerleader with Karen Jo at GHS. She brought incredible energy, a positive attitude, and athletic ability that took our squad up a notch! I can see her performing her versatile gymnastics as I type. She was a beautiful girl inside and out. I will pray for her family during this difficult time.Charlene Eller
Greenville, TX Tuesday, May 13, 2025 My condolences to the family. Karen Jo was a wonderful lady. Both of my daughters had her as a teacher/principal at school. She was beyond amazing and treated all the kids with respect. She was loved by all.Kristen Perkins Glover
Gordon, TX Tuesday, May 13, 2025 My condolences to the entire Barrow family. Karen was my Principal, but I remember her most as Jace's mom. I loved seeing Mrs. Barrow in her cow prints at school and most enjoyed her welcoming smile. I graduated in 2006 and am grateful it was under her leadership. Prayers for those she has left behind, however, I know her legacy and light will live on in each of you. Jace, I know we've both gone on to bigger and better things in life beyond Greenville, but I really enjoyed growing up with kind humans like you. My heart goes out to you and your family this week.Abraham Campos
Humble, TX Monday, May 12, 2025 My deepest condolences. I was so saddened and heartbroken to learn of Mrs. Barrow’s passing. I did not have the privilege of knowing her by Karen. To me, she will always be my 6th grade teacher (my favorite teacher of any grade level) that was always so kind and sweet to me. She always referred to me as “my sweet Abraham”. No one messed with me while I was by her side! She won every time we would arm wrestle! A strong woman…inside and out. She had the best smile and the love of Christ radiated off her like sunshine. Oh how she loved cows! That was one of the first things I quickly learned about her. I got to see her maybe one time as an adult, running into her at a local restaurant. Immediately took me back to the 6th grade in that moment. I cannot think of many people that make a lifelong-lasting impact the way Mrs. Barrow had on me. May she rest peacefully in the Lord, our God. -with love, “her sweet Abraham”Lee and Renee Duncan
Longview, TX Monday, May 12, 2025 Truly sorry hearing about Karen Jo's passing. She was a vibrant person, and I am sure will be missed by family and friends. Love to the family.Laura Lopez
McDonough, GA Monday, May 12, 2025 My most heartfelt condolences to the Barrow Family. This was my favorite teacher and I carry deep memories. She used to share her stories of her boys and husband all the time and I remember the COWS 🐄 she loved her some cows. She used to share Ritz Crackers with the class and peppermints.This is so heartbreaking to hear because I can always hear her voice down the hallway her spirit was so bright everyone wanted to be near her and the smile. I was blessed to be one of her students and to have known such a wonderful human being.
Clifford Martin
Clovis, NM Monday, May 12, 2025 From cousin Butch and Laura Martin. Karen could brighten your day and get you out of lousy moods just by her presence and lively nature. The times we spent in Nashville, Arkansas at Grandma’s and also in Greenville will be lasting memories. My thoughts and prayers are with Howard, her sons, and sisters Becky and Betty.Edva Doss
Greenville, TX Monday, May 12, 2025 Mrs.Barrow I love and miss you, you was a beautiful person inside and out thank you for loving me like you did.😭😭😭Bobby and Jerri Boles
Greenville, UT Monday, May 12, 2025 So sad to hear this news. Great memories of Karen Jo. We are praying for the family.Patricia Pittman
Greenville, TX Monday, May 12, 2025 My Deepest Condolences 💐. May the Lord wrap his loving arms around you and your family in this Time of Need! Karen was a Force to be reckoned with, and I know that she’s making her way in heaven! We love you and will be praying for you and family.Lisa M Hawkins
Greenville, TX Monday, May 12, 2025 Thoughts and prayers sent to her family and friends. I got to know Mrs. Barrow in 8th grade she was an amazing teacher. Such a beautiful lady inside and out. May the Lord comfort each of you. God BlessDavid Hawkins Jr
Greenville, TX Monday, May 12, 2025 Rest Easy to my favorite ‼️Charity Cross
Greenville, TX Monday, May 12, 2025 Ms. Barrow was one of the best teachers I’ve ever had. Our banter was unmatched—I truly cherished every moment of it. She genuinely cared about her students, and I’ll never forget the impact she had on me.Chelsea
SLC, UT Monday, May 12, 2025 An amazing teacher, principal, human being. Thank you for being such a light in so many of our lives. You truly were a remarkable and incredible human being.You will be missed.
Norman kirkman
Greenville, TX Monday, May 12, 2025 This was hard for me to read about Karen Jo and unexpected. My condolences and prayers are with you Howard and all of Karen’s family at this difficult time. Karen was a special lady and will be very much missed. Rest in peace Karen!Jan McKelvey Teeters
Greenville, TX Monday, May 12, 2025 She was a special special lady. I remember her calling me at school and was going to put on my “favorite” student to talk to me and tell me what a fantastic grade he got in math. Thankfully, she said his name before putting him on the phone. She was an involved educator who went above and beyond. She will be missed. My condolences to her loving family.Stacey RossGordon
Greenville, TX Monday, May 12, 2025 I'm so sorry for your loss. My heart goes out to you and your family during this difficult time.Teresa Castle
King, NC Monday, May 12, 2025 I am so sorry to hear this. I loved Karen Jo. She will be remembered by everyone who met her. Praying for her family and friends.