David LaChapelle March 28, 2023

Cousin Na , Washington

Thinking of you all and reflecting on great memories.

Debra Sheffield March 28, 2023

Sister-in-Law Killeen , Texas

My beautiful sister-in-law Barbara, has gone on to be with Jesus. Heaven's gain is certainly our loss. Long ago, as I prayed for her health - The Lord showed me a vision of her dancing in Heaven. When Cordell told me the night that Barbara was in the hospital, I knew she was going Home. The Lord just gave me that certainty. In the night, He woke me and reminded me of that vision again. In His love and tender mercy, He does not leave us uninformed and without comfort. How MUCH HE LOVES HER, and us. My heart goes out to our whole family, to her husband, my kindest "brother" Wendell of over 50 years, her children and grandchildren, my deepest condolences. You know - Barbara has been faithful in her generous love, laughter, and care of our whole extended family - for decades... ALL of her life. Although her life has not been without major challenges, Jesus SHONE through her so clearly - to us all. Especially to me. She was my first Christian family member, that laughed, taught, lived and loved me to Jesus. Her passion for Him undenied. She was married to the oldest of 4 sons, for over 50 years (closer to the age of my own parents), I was married to the youngest. Our lives could not have been more different. Yet her love and example, and how she drew me in, included and loved me into The Body of Christ - has never left my soul, heart or spirit. She was closer to my Mom's age, than my siblings. She took being married to the "oldest" seriously (and as Amy DID say when she was little "Aunt Barbara bossed it (us) all." She has been Proverbs 31, all the way, in living color. She got me young. I was only 16... and I am the oldest in my family of origin. She was my favorite adopted "older sister." Barbara taught me with love, laughter, a generosity of soul I have rarely encountered since. Barbara spent the first seven (7) years of my life in her family, counseling me, teaching me, sharing joy with me, teaching me how to shop, cook for a very large family (often about 60), hostess with a zest and southern graciousness, to be bold yet kind, to find the best quality in our "yard sale" adventures, to have fun budgeting in providing and decorating for my family. (to enjoy and not be a perfectionist!) When we went into the military, at my age of 23, at times she was my long distance advisor, as those early "family" gathering Southern "church lady" skills became even more refined as a very needed skill set in supporting 82nd Airborne and U. S. Army military families, always on high alert. God allowed me to pick up her legacy of teaching children, teaching and leading women's Bible studies and support missions, and run on. The instruction, compassion, ability to celebrate in the hardest and best of times, loving "family" well, giving understanding, how to overcome fears, and the comfort she gave me, I was able to give to others. For decades. She suggested Bible studies - made sure I didn't stay lost in empty religious confusion (thanks also to Donna and Julie Bratcher and Aunt Flo - these women and their collective LOVE for God set my heart on Christ and His Word, as my sure foundation) making sure I understood about Christ's love. Oh how the memories simply flood back in. She was my sister, my dearest friend, at times - my private prayer partner, THE best party planner and my fiercest competitor in Canasta, my dearest honest counselor and trusted confidante, my Sis in Arms, my first God family, my mentor, the one who kept me solid, sane, well grounded, stable. No matter how long between talks, I could pick up the phone and call - and she always answered or called back. I knew she and Wendell never left, no matter the changes in life. Barbara lived life out loud - vibrantly in love with our God, her husband, her children and made THE BEST NANA ever around... and was one of "those" kind of Aunts - that always took the niece / nephews' "side" - bought the most outrageous, fun, loudest toys (musical pianos anyone?). Her zest for fun made every family event full of memories worthy of great laughter, hugs all around, and photo opportunities abounding. She knew how to LIVE, with JOY unspeakable, full of glory. Her onery bone is well displayed in SO many wonderful family pictures. Her hugs were healing. Her honesty, at times, challenging. Her wisdom based on the anchor of Christ. Her love more tangible and real than any I've known, except Christ and my own Mom. SHE was trustworthy to the utmost; guarded me and cared about my heart and my family, and faithfully, without fail, ever always pointed me to Christ and to the Word, continually. She has fasted and prayed with me, often - through the decades. Quietly. Privately. For over 46 years to be exact. This mighty woman of God, love, life, laughter, energy and prayer has left us a multi-generational legacy of love of God and family that is very, very rare. Family - Keep this trust. Build on this legacy of love. To my dearest Sister Barbara, I deeply honor your love, your life and your labors of love, my dear dear Sis. Enjoy your reward. Thank you, Wendell, for the team you both made and displayed, and including us all in the joy, the adventures, the love. ~Until we meet again, Barbara. I love you dearly. What a gift you have been to us all. Hugs Sheffield Family. You each have my prayers. I love you each deeply. Thank you Lord, for THIS Daughter. you made and gave us How grateful I am to have had a part of life with her, here; and eternity to come. Debra

Louis Wells March 28, 2023

Extended family Oklahoma City , Oklahoma

Barbara was a wonderful person and always so kind to me as a kid. My condolences to all of her family and friends.

Jeanette & Charlie March 28, 2023

Family Chambersburg , Pennsylvania

To my wonderful brother in law Chris. I’m so sorry to hear about the loss of your mother. My heart goes out to you and your family. You and the Sheffield family are in my thoughts and prayers. May God comfort you. God knows the pain you feel and his arms hold you close. We love you dearly!

Jeanette & Charlie March 28, 2023

Family Chambersburg , Pennsylvania

To my wonderful brother in law Chris. I’m so sorry to hear about the loss of your mother. My heart goes out to you and your family. You and the Sheffield family are in my thoughts and prayers. May God comfort you. God knows the pain you feel and his arms hold you close. We love you dearly!

Ben &Shelley Wells March 28, 2023

Friend Lewisville , Texas

We are so sorry for the loss of Barbara. Sending prayers for your family in this time of grief.

David LaChapelle March 28, 2023

Cousin Na , Washington

Thinking of you all and reflecting on great memories.

Jeanette & Charlie March 29, 2023

Family Chambersburg , Pennsylvania

To my wonderful brother in law Chris. I’m so sorry to hear about the loss of your mother. My heart goes out to you and your family. You and the Sheffield family are in my thoughts and prayers. May God comfort you. God knows the pain you feel and his arms hold you close. We love you dearly!

Mike and Leslie Manning March 30, 2023

Former Pastor White Hall , Arkansas

Wendell, Warren, Chris and Family, We have such fond memories of Barbara, along with your whole family and are sad to hear of Barbara's passing. You all were great friends and partners in the formation and leadership of Town East Bible Church in Mesquite those many years ago. You were a faithful presence in that community of faith and modeled a steady influence on the church family--often behind the scenes, and frequently with no fanfare or accolades. We couldn't help but smile as we reflected on some of the memories of our times together; some joyful, some difficult, some down-right funny, but all memories of the blessings of God. We will always be grateful for the privilege of serving Christ and helping build a community of faith with you and the other faithful brothers and sisters. As much as we share sorrow with you in Barbara's passing, we also rejoice in a life faithully lived and the confidence of her presence with the Lord. If we could offer a comforting reminder, it would be that though the pain of parting is real and difficult, it is also temporary (as you know). We are thanful for that, and look forward to a highly anticipated future reunion together in the presence of Christ! Love to all... Mike and Leslie Manning

Brad LaChapelle March 29, 2023

Cousin Justin , Texas

Such fond memories of hiking, swimming and adventures when Butch, Barbara and boys would visit Colorado. She was energetic, loving, fun and one of the nicest people I have ever met and am proud to call her my cousin. Condolences and love to the Sheffield clan.....you are all loved

Fred and the Dex Crew March 29, 2023

Co-Worker Arlington , Texas

Thinking of you and your family as you celebrate the life of your beloved. Sending our deepest condolences to you and your family for your loss.