Barbara Gail Hoza

Barbara Gail Hoza of Houston, Texas, passed away at home surrounded by family on September 28, 2024, at the age of 92. She was born on November 12, 1931, in Oklahoma City, OK, where she lived until age 9 when her family moved to Houston, TX, for her father’s job. Barbara lived in Houston until her death. Barbara went to San Jacinto High School where she graduated with honors and was a member of the Golden Gauchos, the school’s marching drill team.

After graduation she attended Rice University (then called the Rice Institute) and after a few semesters decided to postpone her teaching degree to work and save money. While on her break from school she met Marty, who she eventually married. Her husband encouraged her to go back to school and complete her teaching degree, which she did and graduated from Rice Institute in 1956.

She began to teach school in Houston at Pearl S. Rucker Elementary upon graduation, and in 1959 when their first child was born she stopped teaching to stay home and care for her family. After raising three children, Barbara went back to teaching elementary school in the Cy-Fair Independent School District and was there until she retired in 1996.

Barbara loved education, math, reading and helping others of all ages learn. She continued to tutor at her home into her 80s.

Above all, Barbara was a Christian who carried a deep love of God in her heart and shared this love through a life of service and devotion to family, neighbors, community and the world. Her big beautiful smile will always be remembered.

Barbara is preceded in death by her parents William Othel Watson and Ruby Oklahoma Bailey Watson, her brother William Raymond Watson, his wife Racine, and her husband Martin David Hoza.

Barbara is survived by her three children Karen Ann Hoza (Victor), David Mark Hoza, Stephen William Hoza (Susan) and two grandchildren, Krystin Elise Hoza and Luke William Hoza.

The family would like to say a special thank you to the caregivers who assisted in making the last three years of Barbara’s life so full of love and joy: Jessica Martin, Maria Dieguez, Farrah Thompson, Lisa Lara, Betsy Hall, Winona Williams, Khadija Karama, Kim Khamis and Theola Carter.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Barbara’s honor to www.impacthoustonchurch.org.