Michelle Barrera

Michelle Barrera passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, June 18, 2022. She was born in San Antonio, Texas, on June 10, 1960 to Charlotte Bouwens and William A. Simms Jr. Michelle was a lifelong San Antonio native, a proud graduate of Incarnate Word High School and the University of Texas at San Antonio, where she acquired her B.A. and her Master’s in Educational Leadership.

Michelle spent 21 years in SAISD as a teacher, assistant principal and principal at both Kate Schenck and Charles C. Ball Elementary Schools. In 2001, Michelle took her leadership skills to Judson ISD as the Principal at Hopkins Elementary. During her five years there, Michelle transformed not only the campus grounds inside and out, but also rebuilt the Hopkins mission and culture and set a high standard of excellence for her teachers, students, and the entire community; she was also awarded the HEB Excellence in Education Award. She then moved into the Judson ISD central office as the Director of Administration in 2006, where her leadership talents would impact the entire District. Two years later, Michelle took a position with Hays Consolidated ISD as the Executive Director of Human Resources, where she retired in 2014.

Michelle continued her passion to support public schools even in her retirement, and she was contracted by many other local school districts to provide technical support for their HR and district-wide needs.

Education was not her only passion. Michelle found joy and invested her time, energy and creativity in photography, cooking, traveling, and blogging. She created an Instagram profile, @MichelleSipsAndSavors, where she cultivated a community that reached over 10,500 people – it became her favorite space to inspire others by creating her own incredible content through her love of food, family, friends… and fabulous cocktails.

Michelle was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her husband, soulmate, and best friend, Leroy Barrera, a retired San Antonio police officer; her beloved son, Michael Barrera, whom she showered with her time and affection. She was so proud of him as a TCU Graduate and a successful Advertising Professional at Droga5 and living in New York City. Also surviving her are two daughters, both UTSA graduates, Dr. Destiny Barrera and Desiree Barrera Smith, whom she adored as her own. They have also pursued successful careers in Educational Leadership with Michelle’s mentorship and guidance. She also built a very loving bond with Desiree’s husband, Greg, over their love of politics, writing, photo editing, and so much more; and she adored and proudly supported her granddaughter, Gianna Smith, and expanded Gianna’s love of art, cooking, gymnastics and beyond. She wholeheartedly welcomed her soon-to-be son in law, Marcus Barnes, to the family as well. Michelle will be fondly remembered by a whole host of extended family and friends.

Visitation and a Celebration of Life will be held on Tuesday, June 28, 2022 at 6:00 p.m. at Sunset Funeral Home Chapel, 1701 Austin Highway, San Antonio, Texas. Please join us in-person or via live stream. Flowers are welcome by the family, but for those who wish, donations may be made to the San Antonio Botanical Garden, 555 Funston Pl, 78209, or GoPublic San Antonio, wegopublic.com. To give words of comfort to the family, please follow and leave a comment on Michelle’s Instagram page, @michellesipsandsavors