She was born February 24, 1936 in Morrilton, Arkansas to parents Lloyd Lee Nelson and Odessa Parker Nelson French, both now deceased. She was the third of five children.
At a very young age, the family moved to Kansas City, KS where Barbara began her education in the KCK public schools. Barbara was a graduate of Sumner High School class of 1955. She attended Kansas State College of Pittsburg where she received her Bachelor of Education degree in June 1959. While there she ran for Homecoming Queen and sat on the court in 1957. She lived in the Dial House, often referred to as the Doll House, from 1956-1959 with her closest girlfriends.
After graduation, she moved to Gary, Indiana in late 1959 to pursue her first teaching job as a third grade teacher at Carver Elementary School.
Barbara married Vernell Webber in August 1961 in Gary, Indiana. To this union two children were born: Joni J. Webber and Jennifer M. Webber. The marriage was dissolved in June 1980. The two remained friendly until the end.
Barbara later went on to work at Dunbar Elementary School and Locke Elementary School where she retired in June 1999. She taught third and fourth grade. While working she received her Master’s Degree in Education from Indiana University in June 1969.
Barbara truly enjoyed traveling, spending time with family and friends, going to family reunions and spending her Saturdays at soccer fields, basketball games or dance recitals with her only grandchild. I think she enjoyed it more than anyone. She was an avid shopper. "Shop till you drop" was one of her favorite slogans. But talking and keeping up with family and friends was very important to her.
She was a member of First United Presbyterian Church in Gary, Indiana until she moved. While in Olathe she joined Heritage Presbyterian Church where she encountered a very beautiful church home with wonderful members.
Barbara leaves her daughters Joni J. Webber of Olathe, Kansas and Jennifer M. Webber of Garner, North Carolina; one granddaughter, Kennedy Joi Webber; two brothers: Lloyd Nelson, Jr., Kansas City, Missouri and Ray Nelson, Kansas City, Kansas; and one sister, Loretta Nelson Sykes of Pittsburg, California, and many family and friends. Her brother, Chester Nelson, preceded her in death.
We are so grateful to the staff at Colonial Oaks of Spring Hill for their excellent care of Barbara and to Advanced Hospice for their help during her passing.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, American Cancer Society or Alzheimer's Association.
