Barbara O. Evans was born in December 1946, in Brenham, Texas, the ninth of ten children born to Walter and Pearl Spencer. At a young age, Barbara joined Main Street Baptist Church and accepted Christ, beginning a lifelong journey of faith and service.

Barbara attended Pickard High School and graduated in 1965. She continued her education at Blinn Junior College in Brenham, Texas, for two years before transferring to Prairie View A&M University in Prairie View, Texas. She graduated in May 1970 with a degree in education. Shortly after graduation, she purchased her first car, an apple-green Camaro—a special milestone she remembered fondly.

Barbara began her career in education, teaching in the Austin Independent School District and later in the Brenham Independent School District.

In December 1970, Barbara married Ira Evans Jr. During their early years of marriage, Ira served in the United States Army. While he was stationed in Itzehoe, Germany, in 1973, Barbara continued her passion for education, teaching at the military high school and at the University of Flensburg. In July 1973, while the family was stationed in Germany, their first daughter, Kristin Alisa, was born.

Barbara and Ira returned to the United States in 1976 and were stationed at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. Following Ira's honorable discharge in 1978, the family moved to Muskogee, Oklahoma. Barbara devoted herself to raising her family and also volunteered at the local hospital. In August 1979, their second daughter, Samantha Elizabeth, was born.

In 1983, the family moved to North Little Rock, Arkansas, where Barbara and her family became members of First Baptist Church. She was a devoted member of the congregation and served as a Sunday School teacher, My Brother's Keeper member, and member of the Esther Circle.

After Kristin left for college in 1991, Barbara returned to her career in education with the North Little Rock School District and also worked with the Boys and Girls Club. After retiring, Barbara moved to Memphis, Tennessee, to be closer to her daughters and grandchildren. There, she joined Hills Chapel Missionary Baptist Church and continued to nurture her faith and her family.

After a brief illness, Barbara passed away peacefully on Monday, September 14, at 3:05 p.m.

She leaves Ira Evans Jr. of Brenham, Texas; her daughters, Kristin Williams (Fred) and Samantha Evans, both of Memphis, Tennessee; her grandchildren, Jackson, NoelGrace, Bethany, and Jacob; her siblings, Geneva Elliott (Edward), Betty Damon, Roscoe Spencer (Gloria), and Janice Allen (David); and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, Walter and Pearl Spencer, and her siblings, Warren Spencer, Viola Ruth Spencer, Alvin Spencer, and Maurice Spencer.

Barbara will be remembered for her devotion to God, her love of family, and the many lives she touched through her service, kindness, and faith. Her memory will remain a blessing to all who knew and loved her.

The family will receive friends Saturday, September 26, 2026 from 10:00am-10:55am with a Celebration of Life to follow at 11:00am both will be held at Hills Chapel 1167 Charles Bryan Rd, Cordova, TN 38018