Barbara Ann Powell flew away from this world and stepped into her full healing on May 23, 2025, after fighting her battle with cancer with much grace and bravery. She was surrounded by her daughters, brothers, grandchildren, and other dear loved ones who rejoiced over her healing and reunion with beloved family.
Barbara was born at home in Senath, Missouri on May 26, 1951 (much to the excitement of her big brother pounding at the door!). She was second born- and the sole daughter- of four children to JW and Velma Powell. Her childhood was spent helping to care for her brothers and picking cotton with her family, in a home short on money but rich in love.
In 1973 Barb married the love of her life, Tommy Wallace, and together they welcomed three daughters. One of their favorite pastimes was big camping trips with Barb's parents, brothers, and their children. The families would sprawl across campsites filled with good food, laughter, and many a good-natured prank.
Barb's closest childhood friend, Teresa, and her husband James, also bore three daughters, and in close friendship the two couples raised their six girls. Countless weekends were spent playing cards into the night while the kids ran around close as sisters.
Over the years Barbara proudly wore many hats: Daughter, Sis, Wife, Momma, Friend, Aunt Bushy, and Nanny were her most beloved. She welcomed the gaggles of nieces, nephews, and grandchildren and was known to take a whole carload of them to town on her own, especially during holidays. She was also known as "mom" to many of her family friends and their children.
Barb contributed several working roles in her life as well, but Caregiving for disabled individuals was her most rewarding. She found great satisfaction in her many, many years of serving people in need of her companionship and care, and especially held dear her time with Annie, one of her favorite clients.
Other contentments she found in her life were music, her "stories", and nature. She was one of Elvis Presley's biggest fans, enjoying his music and movies immensely. She was a huge classic country and Gospel music fan. Both brought her great joy and comfort. She was a devoted fan of "The Young and the Restless", discovering it while pregnant with her second child, from its very beginning, and watching until her last day on Earth. Her daughters fondly recall that first hour after school and work each day when their Momma would settle in to watch the day's episode she had taped.
In more recent years Barb found peace and happiness in soaking in the world around her. She loved to sit on the patio in the crisp mornings and evenings to watch the deer and birds find the food she left for them. She enjoyed learning the names of her feathered friends and especially loved the hummingbirds-even getting one to alight on her hand once.

Nothing meant more to Barbara than her family and friends.  She adored being Nanny and her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were her life's joy.

Barbara was preceded in death by her Sister-in-law, Tyanna Powell; her big brother, Russell Powell; her Daddy, JW Powell; Mama, Velma Powell and lifelong love, Tommy Wallace.

She is survived by beloved daughters, Mechelle, Tonya (Joe) and Laura Wallace; Brothers: Jimmie (Vicky) Powell, and Michael (Marilyn) Powell; Cherished grandchildren: Justin (Stacy) Harris, Jordan Cook, Daemon Cloud, and Destiny Cook; Celebrated Great-grandchildren, Carrigan and Caspen; Lifelong friends, Teresa and James Blackwell; Raynell, Leah and Pam, and their children; and a multitude of treasured nieces, nephews, grandnieces and nephews, and friends.

Service will be Saturday, May 31, 2:00 P.M. at the McDaniel Chapel in Senath with Rev. Alan Austin officiating.

The visitation will begin at 1:00, and continue service time at 2:00.

McDaniel Funeral Service of Senath in charge of the arrangements.