Billie Jean (Arnett) Barr

Billie Jean Barr, of Spring, Texas, and formerly of Palestine, Texas, passed away peacefully on the 3rd day of June 2023, at home with her loved ones by her side. Born to parents Travis Arnett and Mildred Leach on the 19th day of November 1934, in Corsicana, Texas, she lived a full and vibrant life, touching the hearts of everyone she met with her loving, friendly, and spirited nature.

Mrs. Barr was a successful businesswoman, owning and operating Merle Norman Cosmetics in Palestine for many years. Her dedication to her work and her passion for helping others feel beautiful and confident was evident in the lasting relationships she built with her clients and the community.  A world-class shopper, Mrs. Barr had an eye for style and a knack for finding the perfect gift for any occasion. Whenever she left the house, she was always dressed to perfection. Her love for shopping was matched only by her love for her family and friends, who she cherished deeply. She was known for her ability to make everyone feel welcome and loved, and her home was always filled with laughter and warmth.

In addition to her successful career and love for shopping, Mrs. Barr had a wide range of interests that kept her busy and engaged with the world around her.  Her zest for life was infectious, and she inspired those around her to live life to the fullest.

Mrs. Barr is preceded in death by her parents, Travis and Mildred Arnett; husband, Donald Barr; and sister, Frances Phaup.

As we celebrate the life of Billie Jean Barr, we are reminded of the impact one person can have on the world. Her love, friendship, and spirit will be dearly missed, but her memory will live on in the hearts of those she left behind, including her three daughters, LaGail Watkins, of Corpus Christi, Texas, Rockie Watkins Stevener and husband Wade, of Spring, Texas, and Cathy Watkins Moody and husband Mike, of Corpus Christi, Texas; sister, Lou Nagy and husband Joe, of Palestine, Texas; grandchildren, Ami Cook, Betsy Bearden, Sarah Swanner, Sydney Goss, Andrew Stevener, Hollie Johnson; and several great-grandchildren.  Mrs. Barr is also survived by other family members who adored her and a multitude of friends.

Funeral services to celebrate Mrs. Barr’s life are to be conducted at two o’clock in the afternoon on Wednesday, the 7th day of June 2023 in the Rhone Memorial Chapel with Gordan “Bubba” Fowler officiating the service.  Interment will follow in Roselawn Park in Palestine, Texas.

Friends are cordially invited to visit with the family one hour prior to the start of the service at Rhone Funeral Home.

Those honored to serve as pallbearers are Andrew Stevener, Barry Goss, T.C. Swanner, Scott Thompson, Korbin Johnson, and Larry Moore.

Mrs. Barr's legacy will be remembered through the countless lives she touched with her kindness, generosity, and unwavering spirit. She was a beacon of light in her community, and her memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

Funeral services for Billie Jean Barr are in care of Rhone Funeral Home, 3900 S. State Highway 19, Palestine, Texas. 

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