Barbara Hart Nicholson

Barbara Jean (Hart) Nicholson passed away unexpectedly January 23, 2017.

Barbara was born March 23, 1937, in Dallas, Texas, to H.E. and Charlotte (Parker) Hart. Barbara was the youngest of five children. Her family moved to Abilene when she was two years of age, and Barbara spent the remainder of her life in the area.

Barbara graduated from Abilene High School in 1955. She was active in A Cappella chorus, Student Council, and many other student activities.

She attended Abilene Christian College where she was active with the A Cappella chorus, The Melodettes, and The Women’s Sextette. She was also a member of Delta Theta women’s social club. During her sophomore year, she met Randy Nicholson on a blind date. This meeting changed the course of her life – and his – and set in motion a wonderful lifelong relationship. They were married November 18, 1957. Randy and Barbara both worked full-time while in college, and finished their degrees in four years. They both graduated from ACC in 1959 – Barbara with a degree in Business Education.

After graduation, Barbara taught typing, bookkeeping, and shorthand at Anson High School. The following year she became the chairman of the business department at the newly opened Abilene Cooper High School. Barbara taught at Cooper for the next five years.

In 1966, Barbara and Randy were blessed with their daughter, Randa. Barbara gave up teaching to stay home with her, and also began traveling with Randy when possible.

Barbara was a talented vocalist and artist. Over the years, she continued singing with the ACU Alumni Chorus and loved singing at church. She also loved painting and always said “selling one of my paintings would be like selling a child.” However, some of her artwork became cherished gifts for those lucky enough to receive them.

Barbara was always very patriotic and had a special love for those who serve in our armed forces. It was her practice to personally thank any soldier that she saw in uniform. She sent her first wartime care package to her nephew during the first Gulf War. Ten years ago, she started a ministry called Helping Our Heroes that has sent care packages to soldiers overseas seven times a year. Much thought was put into the contents of these care packages – including items that were necessities as well as things that were purely for enjoyment. She also included stuffed animals for the soldiers to give to the local children. Her goal was to make the soldiers feel appreciated and bring some of the comforts of home to them while away from their loved ones.

Barbara also spent countless hours coordinating quarterly luncheons for widows and widowers at Highland, University, and Oldham Lane churches of Christ. She planned elaborate themes, wonderful decorations, entertainment, and gifts. She wanted them to feel special and to have something to look forward to each season.

Barbara loved being a “Nana”. She had a special bond with her grandson, Braden. She loved playing with him when he was young, and she loved watching him in all of his sports and activities as he grew. Barbara loved him and was very proud of him.

Today Barbara rejoices in heavenly reunion with her parents, H.E. and Charlotte Hart; her sister, Betty Hart Waldron; her brothers, Lee Hart and Horace Hart; her sisters-in-law, Sally Hart and Dorothy Hart; and her great-nephew, John Hart.

Barbara is survived by her husband of 59 years, Randy; daughter, Randa, and her husband, Jeff, of Abilene; grandson, Braden, of Abilene; brother, Bob Hart, of Granbury; several brothers/sisters-in-law, nieces, and nephews; and her legacy of honoring soldiers and widows and widowers.

The family would like to offer a special thanks to Candy DeLaGarza, Karon Huey, Nancy Hodges, Mike Hart, Tricia Anderson, Angela Renner, Bernice Scott, and those who came and sang with Barbara. The family would also like to thank Dr. Trammell, Dr. Brown, Dr. Eddleman, Dr. Daggubati, Dr. Cooksey, and Dr. White for their incredible medical care.

The family will receive visitors from 6PM to 8PM on Friday, January 27 ^th , at Piersall Funeral Home. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, January 28 ^th , at Oldham Lane church of Christ. A private family graveside service will be held later that day.

Memorials may be sent to Oldham Lane Helping Our Heroes Ministry or Oldham Lane Solo Servants Ministry to continue her missions of love.  Condolences may be offered to the family online at www.pbfuneraldirectors.com .