Barbara Lynn Sowell

Barbara Lynn Sowell, age 58, of Grapeland, Texas, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend joined her loving Father in Heaven on Thursday, the 8th day of August 2024, after a long battle with her health.  Mrs. Sowell was born on the 1st day of October 1965, in Bay City, Texas, and she leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and a lifetime of cherished memories.

Mrs. Sowell's life was one of service and commitment to her faith, as evidenced by her longstanding membership at Holly Grove Missionary Baptist Church in San Augustine, Texas and New Hope Church in Grapeland, Texas. Her dedication to her church family was unwavering, and she could always be counted on to lend a helping hand or a listening ear to anyone in need.

Her interests were as varied as they were passionate. Mrs. Sowell had a natural ability to connect with people, earning her the affectionate title of “Care Bear”. Her easygoing demeanor and innate empathy made her the go-to person for advice, comfort, or simply a warm conversation. Beyond her love for people, she was a creative soul who found joy in crafting, leaving behind a treasure trove of handmade keepsakes that her family and friends will forever cherish.

Mrs. Sowell's mischievous streak brought laughter and surprise to those around her. She loved playing pranks, and her sense of humor was a source of joy and amusement. Even in the most challenging times, her strength and resilience were a pillar for her loved ones to lean on.

As the oldest, nicest, wisest, and widest sibling in a family of six, Barbara was a guiding light and role model. She was the oldest angel to her five brothers and sisters, and now, she takes her place as an angel in Heaven watching over the many lives she has influenced.

Her creative spirit, loving nature, and friendly demeanor will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Mrs. Sowell's legacy is one of kindness, laughter, and unwavering support—a testament to a life well-lived and a woman dearly loved. Her memory will continue to inspire and comfort those she leaves behind, as they reflect on a life that was as beautiful and unique as the crafts she lovingly created.  She is survived by her loving husband of 38 years, Estel Victor Sowell; mother, Margaret “Peggy” Evans, of San Augustine, Texas; daughter, Krystle McCreary and husband Tom, of Grapeland, Texas; son, James Sowell and wife Kayla, of Palestine, Texas; sisters, Kay-Kaye Mills and husband Josh, of Weches, Texas, Susie Hoover and husband Rob, of Huntsville, Texas; brothers, Marty Evans and wife Angela, of Grant, New Mexico, William Evans, of Grapeland, Texas, and Albert Evans and wife Cynthia, of Lufkin, Texas.  Mrs. Sowell also leaves behind her three grandchildren, Raina Lynn, Zerenity Raelynn, and Reveil Lynn, all of whom she adored, as well as many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Mrs. Sowell is preceded in death by her father, Martin Evans.

Friends are cordially invited to a visitation with the family from six o’clock until eight o’clock in the evening on Friday, the 16th day of August 2024 at Rhone Funeral Home.

Funeral services to celebrate Mrs. Barbara Lynn Sowell’s life are to be conducted at ten o’clock in the morning on Saturday, the 17th day of August 2024 in the Rhone Memorial Chapel with Bro. Josh Mills officiating the service and assistance from Keaton Tarver and David Allmon.  Interment will follow at three o’clock in the afternoon in Dickerson Cemetery in San Augustine, Texas.

Those honored to serve as Mrs. Sowell’s pallbearers are EJ Sowell, Dakota Sowell, Isaac Lewis, Zachery Lewis, Justin Wright, Cody Wright, and Tom Elizondo.  Honorary pallbearers will be David Burkett, William Paul Allen, Thomas Crawford and Tom McCreary.

Funeral services for Barbara Lynn Sowell are in care of Rhone Funeral Home, 3900 S. State Highway 19, Palestine, Texas. Please visit her online memorial tribute at www.rhonefuneralhome.com, where fond memories and words of comfort and condolence may be shared electronically with her family.

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