Obituary for Barbara Lee Truss
1943 – 2025
Barbara Lee Truss was born on October 28, 1943, to Hugh Vernon Antley and Lena Mary (Wright) Antley at their family farm in Groveton, Texas, and passed away peacefully on November 3, 2025, in Trinity, Texas, at the age of 82 years.
Barbara was born and raised on the family farm where she spent many years helping cook for "the crew" and her family during cotton-picking season. She loved farm life and especially her animals, though cats always held a special place in her heart. She was deeply devoted to her family property, taking immense pride in gardening and keeping the grounds beautiful.
Barbara later met the love of her life, William Truss, and the two were united in marriage on her family farm on June 3, 1966. The couple began their married life in Houston, where Barbara worked in the security department of the First National Bank of Houston for several years. In 1969, Barbara and William moved back to Groveton to raise their two sons on her beloved family farm.
She worked for Perry Brothers during the 1970s and early 1980s and later at D & E Superette. Barbara then began a long and fulfilling career with the Lufkin State School, where she served as lead purchaser for clothing for twenty years until her retirement.
After retiring, Barbara could be found outdoors from daylight until dusk, tending to her land and watching over the hay fields—especially during hay season, which she dearly loved. She also had a lifelong passion for porcelain dolls and Santa figurines, and she took joy in crafting her own ceramic pieces. Over the years, she built an impressive and cherished collection of dolls and Santas from around the world.
Barbara loved music and was fond of participating in singing. She was a faithful member of Oaklawn Baptist Church and enjoyed attending services and church gatherings with her community.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Hugh Vernon Antley and Lena Antley; two brothers, Doyce Antley and Kenneth Antley; and an infant sister, Delia Bea Antley.
She is survived by her loving husband of fifty-nine years, William Truss; her sons, Steven Truss and wife, Marsha, and Brian Truss; sister-in-law, Louise Antley; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and special friends.
The family will receive visitors on Friday, November 7, 2025, beginning at 1:00 PM until service time at 2:00 PM at Groveton Funeral Home in Groveton, Texas, with Bro. Lester McAdams officiating.
Interment will follow in Bennett Cemetery.
Pallbearers: Paul Eley, Garrett Knox, Morgan Knox, Cash Simmons, Rance Truss, Taylor Truss, Ethan Thornton, and Cooper Thornton.

Barbara will be remembered for her deep love of family, her devotion to her homeplace, and her steadfast spirit. Her life reflected the values of hard work, kindness, and simple joys found in nature and togetherness. Those who knew her will forever cherish her laughter, her generosity, and the way her eyes would light up when surrounded by the people and the land she loved most. Though she has gone to her heavenly home, the legacy she leaves behind—rooted in faith, family, and love—will continue to live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her.