Barbara Gayle “Barbie” Masters

November 5th, 1947 - February 19th, 2023

Barbara's Memory Wall

We encourage you to share your most beloved memories of Barbara here, so that the family and other loved ones can always see it. Share your favorite stories or comment on those shared by others.

I wanna start by saying that I've been very conflicted on whether or not to say anything

It's not that I don't have anything to say but more so I don't know if I deserve too

Because her and I really hadn't been close in years

and even years ago when we were close

Her and I were never as close as she was to all of my older siblings Brooklyn Brittany Scott and Joanna

they were her best friends and she would have done anything for them

She honestly would have done anything for anyone because thats just the type of person she was

Over the years so many members of my family lived with her in her home in St. Joseph

My mom lived there with her mother and father for a decent amount of her life

When I was a young child and a storm caused a power outage at our house and we went to stay with my grandmother for a few days until our power came back on

I remember when I was around 12 my mother got a divorce and we didn't know where all of us were gonna live at the time and of course my grandma happily invited all of us to come live with her

I lived there until I was about 16 and during that time at different points my sister Brittany and my sister Brooke needed a place to stay and again my wonderful grandmother let them stay there without hesitation because she loved her family more than anything

Years later when I was in my early twenties and didn't have anyplace to live. once again my grandma welcomed me back to live with her and although I didn't know it at the time I would be the last person to live in that house with her

That House has always been a safe haven a light in the darkness like a light house leading people towards safety

But it wasn't just the house itself it was the kindhearted amazing person who lived there she was the light that shined and the symbol of hope and safety

Sadly several months ago her house caught fire

and its strange and so tragic that now she is gone as well

Gone but never forgotten

She was always there for us whenever we needed her

and always looking out for my mom and I can't even imagine what my mother is going through right now

I don't want to even think about how badly it would hurt to lose a parent but I am so proud of my mom because she has been so strong through all of this and even though she's been extremely busy and emotional she's still been there for me whenever I need her

I have many happy memories with my grandmother

She was a night owl just like me so she would sleep all day and stay up all night

my sister joanna and I used to stay up late with her and watch TV shows together mainly RuPaul's Drag Race

And I remember how much joanna and I would make her laugh and how much she would make us laugh

And at the end of those nights of laughter either myself or Joanna would cover her up with blankets and tuck her in when she was ready to go to sleep and I know she really appreciated that

I think most people who knew my grandmother probably knows how much she loved to shop and buy things especially clothing

And she had so much clothing that she never wore and sometimes I would borrow some of them mainly her sweaters

And although some people did judge me or made jokes about me wearing women's clothing she never did

And sometimes she'd look at something I was wearing and say is that mine?

And I'd say yeah I borrowed it is that okay? do you want me to put it back?

And she'd say no it looks good on you

You can keep it

She knew my favorite color was purple and it was her favorite as well

Fast forward several years later I was living with my dad but he was going to be moving soon

I had no place to go and no idea where I was gonna live

And without even asking

my grandma let me move back into her house with her

She let me live there rent free and she never even once asked me to give her money

And how did I treat her in return?

I treated her terribly I ignored her I was rude and sometimes even hateful

And after I moved out I kept having to go back to her house to get some of my stuff I had left there

And every time I would try so hard to get out of there as fast as I could and not get stuck talking to her for an hour because I couldn't wait to walk out the door

And it's so painful to think about all of the times I could have sat and talked with her knowing now that I'm unable to

My grandma Barbie was a wonderful hilarious kindhearted amazing human and I wish I would've treated her better and appreciated her more. I wish I could tell her I'm sorry and let her know how much I appreciate everything she did for me over the years

But We don't get to choose our time
Death is what gives life meaning. To know our days are numbered, and that our time is short.

I've learned this week that you need to cherish people when you have them because you don't know when they're gonna be gone

I love you Barbie

Davey Adler

February 25th, 2023 at 5:09am

My mom was such a good mom, it was just the two of us for many years. We didn't have much money but I never knew it. She was a great cook and I always had everything I needed and more, she even made my clothes for awhile. She was sweet and affectionate and loving, not just to me though. Everyone loved her, her nieces and nephews,and all of her grandchildren. She was a wonderful grandma, she was always so good to all of us. I know she is in Heaven with my dad, happy and looking at the face of Jesus whom she loved with all of her heart.

Teresa Enos

February 23rd, 2023 at 7:50pm

My Aunt Barb was such huge part of my life when I was a child and into my early adult years. I spent so much time at Aunt Barb's house when was a young girl. We went to the beach often, we were always at her place on the weekends, Aunt Barb's was the place to be. I went to church with Aunt Barb and I am so grateful for that experience. I was around 8 years old when I fell in with love with Jesus. I learned how much He loved me unconditionally and I was blown away. I am forever grateful to Aunt Barb for taking me to church with her. She had the biggest heart, was so full of life and so much fun to be around. I loved her and Teresa so much and my childhood would not had been the same without them. I will miss you, Aunt Barb, but you are home. You are home. Rest in peace sweet lady.

Carmen (Cowgill) Wyant

February 23rd, 2023 at 3:11pm

Barbie was my babysitter for the first 10 or so years of my life and she was always good to my brother and I, making sure we were well taken care of. I remember when our family went to Disney and how excited she was for us. She let us help with extra chores around her home as our first jobs to help us save souvenir money. Barbie was so sweet to her daycare kiddos. I loved her blonde hair and freshly polished nails as a little girl. Thank you for being such a cherished member of our community. All of my love, Christine