Barbara Jean Thomas Gary, age 62, of Groveton, Texas, passed away peacefully on October 4, 2026, at a medical facility in The Woodlands, Texas, following a courageous battle with cancer.

She was born on February 23, 1964, in Groveton, Texas, to Tommie and Elsie Palmer Thomas. Barbara graduated from Groveton High School and retired from the Texas Department of Criminal Justice after 33 years of dedicated service. After retirement, she enjoyed substitute teaching.

On January 10, 2010, Barbara married the love of her life, Herbert Gary, Jr. Together, they made their home in Groveton.

Barbara was a devoted member of Greater New Hope Missionary Baptist Church, where she participated in numerous church activities. She served with Ladies in Action, as a senior usher, and faithfully assisted in the church kitchen. She also formerly served as president of the Church Board.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Tommie and Elsie Thomas; sisters, Ruth Lewis, Nola Kirk, and Laura Edebe; brother, Freddie Kirk; and several nieces and nephews.

Barbara leaves to cherish her memory her loving husband, Herbert Gary, Jr.; son, Maurice Darnell Gary; daughter, Vicki Jackson; grandson, Lintel Daughtry; sisters, Shirley Williams, Maxie Banks, Autrey Simth, and Ethelreen Smith and husband Danny; brothers, Jerry Thomas and wife Ada, and Archie Thomas and wife Janice; brothers-in-law, Andre Gary and wife Jennifer, Maurice Gary, and Marvin Gary and wife Margie; sister-in-law, Hazel Hamilton; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 10, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. on the Groveton ISD school campus.

The repast will follow at the Precious Gibson Memorial Center on the campus of Greater New Hope Missionary Baptist Church, located at 790 FM 3317, Groveton, Texas 75845, in the Lacy Community.