Barbara married the love of her life, Billy, when she was just 18 years old. Their bond was one of unwavering devotion and joy—a love story that stood the test of time. They were looking forward to celebrating an incredible 75 years of marriage on June 5, 2025, a milestone that speaks volumes of their enduring love and partnership.
Her heart was always with her family. Beyond being a devoted wife, Barbara poured her love into her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She taught them not just by words, but by example—that they could accomplish anything they set their minds to. She encouraged fierce independence and unwavering self-belief. When Barbara wanted something, nothing could stand in her way—and she passed that same determined spirit down through the generations.
Barbara was generous to her core. If a grandchild admired something in her home, she would smile and say, “Please, take it home with you.” Her love knew no limits, and her giving nature left a lasting impression on everyone lucky enough to know her.
Her home was always open—a place filled with warmth, laughter, and the comforting hum of conversation. She welcomed her children’s friends like her own and became a second mother to many. Her hospitality was legendary: the more the merrier, always.
Barbara had a deep love for travel and a special fondness for Hawaii, which she and Billy visited 17 times. She lived for the excitement of the journey and the joy of sharing those adventures. Long after the trips ended, she would light up telling stories of the places she had seen and the memories made. Billy lovingly chronicled their adventures by journaling about each trip and recording audio tapes so that Barbara could relive the joy of their travels over the years. It was a precious gift of remembrance—one that reflected the depth of his love and the happiness they shared together.
Her passions were many. She loved reading, sewing with the skill of an expert seamstress, and chatting with friends and neighbors—especially over coffee, which she shared daily with her beloved neighbor for many years. She was always up for an adventure and took special delight in traveling with her grandchildren, creating cherished memories that will live on in their hearts.
She played basketball in high school, worked for years in the church nursery (still remembering the children she once cared for), and filled every room she entered with warmth, curiosity, and love.
Barbara’s love was fierce and boundless. She stood by her family through every season of life, no matter the circumstances. Her marriage was a shining example of faithfulness and commitment—a true partnership built on love and mutual respect.
More than anything, Barbara was truly and authentically herself. She gave everything she had to the people she loved and lived a life full of heart, adventure, and joy. Her presence was a gift, and her memory will be a blessing to all who knew her as she continues to live eternally and in us.
Barbara is survived by her husband of 74 years, William Patterson; her daughters Marcia Tasma; Jan Martin; and Kelly Lantefield (Rick); her grandchildren Alison Vance (Cayce), Ryan Tasma (Jenifer), Cody Martin (Moriah), Madison Martin, Kali Willis (Jeff), Mackenzie Lantefield, Cooper Lantefield (Noelle), great grandchildren, Gabe Tasma, Madison Tasma,Sara Tasma,Skylar Tasma, Macie Tasma, Asher Tasma, Weston Willis and Emory Willis.
Barbara was preceded in death by her son in law Charles Tasma; her father Loy Newsom and her mother Eunice Lee; her great grandchild Shiloh Martin.
A visitation for Barbara will be held Saturday, April 12, 2025 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Centuries Memorial Funeral Home, 8801 Mansfield Road, Shreveport, Louisiana 71108, followed by a Celebration of Life at 2:00 PM.
