Barbara Eileen Flurry

Barbara Eileen Flurry, a beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully at home on November 22, 2024, in Dayton, surrounded by her loving family. Barbara’s departure concludes a life that was fiercely dedicated to those she loved.

 She was born on January 18, 1937, in Liberty, from a multigenerational farming family. Barbara's early education began in Dayton, where she excelled in her studies and enjoyed participating in the band, earning Dayton FFA Sweetheart and receiving many other accolades. She graduated from Dayton High School as part of the Class of 1955 as Salutatorian. She furthered her education by obtaining a bachelor’s degree in speech pathology from the University of Houston.

She was married to her late husband, Ford Flurry, for 57 years. Together they raised a family of three girls who brought them happiness through wonderful family memories, including but not limited to trips to South Padre Island, fishing at the reservoir, riding horses, deer hunting, attending the Dayton rodeo, picking dewberries, and making homemade ice cream. In addition, Ford and Barbara shared a deep love for Ford’s alma mater, Texas A&M University. As a family, they attended countless Texas A&M sporting events and made it an annual tradition to attend Aggie Bonfire. On many occasions, farming was a family affair; while Mom and Dad were driving tractors, the kids would be playing at the farm. Later in life, Ford and Barbara shared their love of the Texas Hill Country, visiting often and bringing back the best Elberta Peaches for her family's famous cobbler.

 Throughout her life, Barbara was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, where she found a strong sense of community and fulfillment. She was passionate about teaching and instilled the values of education and hard work in her family. She dedicated her career to education, becoming the first speech pathologist at Dayton ISD, and other roles within the district, including special education.

 Barbara had many passions and hobbies that fueled her creative and independent self, but none more than her talent of quilting and crocheting, a love that was passed down from her mother. One of her greatest acts of love and pride was gifting her family her cherished quilts. Her legacy will live throughout the family from all the beautiful pieces she created.

 Throughout her life, nothing brought her more joy or love than being her family’s Mamaw. She dedicated her life to being the ultimate grandmother and had a singular talent for making every grandchild and great-grandchild feel as if they were her favorite.

 She was preceded in death by her parents, Raymond Floyd Reidland and Eileen Morris Reidland; her husband, Ira Ford Flurry; her daughter, Debbie Flurry; and her sister, Amy Sterling.

Barbara is survived by her cherished daughters, Sharon Wilson and husband Jim, and Peggy Smesny and husband Jim. She was a proud grandmother to Todd Arnold and wife Alaina, Andrew Arnold and wife Larissa, Mark Arnold and husband Brad Madrid, Sarah King and husband Raymond, Patrick Wilson and wife Stephanie, Ford Smesny and wife Sarah, Kathleen Curnutt and husband Dan, Frank Smesny and wife Caylin, and Ellie Conn and husband Matt. Her legacy continues with her great-grandchildren, Emma and Ava Arnold, Eli and Lily Arnold, Caroline, Boyd, and Wes Conn, Ross and John Wilson, Keagan Curnutt, Leo and Addie King, James Smesny, Miguel and Lilly Herrera.

 Barbara's visitation will be held on November 26, 2024, from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM, followed by the funeral service at 2:00 PM at the Pace-Stancil Funeral Home, located at 1304 N Cleveland St, Dayton, TX 77535. Burial will be at Magnolia Park Cemetery in Dayton. Pallbearers are Todd Arnold, Andrew Arnold, Mark Arnold, Patrick Wilson, Ford Smesny, and Frank Smesny. Honorary pallbearers are Jim Wilson, Jim Smesny, Raymond King, Brad Madrid, Matt Conn, and Dan Curnutt. The services will be officiated by Roy House.

 In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital at https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude. Donations may also be made to Breakthrough T1D, Formerly JDRF at https://www2.breakthrought1d.org/site/Donation.