Barbara Jean Cotropia

Barbara Jean Cotropia was a force of nature. This was true for her entire 89 years. We lost her on November 13, 2022.

Barbara was born on July 7, 1933, to Pete and Lillie Thomas. She leaves her children, Carla Cotropia, Caron Davis and husband Lloyd, Keith Cotropia and wife Monica, and Kimla Cotropia and husband Jim August with a tremendous void in their lives. Barbara was a huge part of their lives as well as the lives of her grandchildren, Jason and Ryan Davis, and Amelie, Annabel, and Andrew August.   

Barbara was also a part of the lives of many of the people of Hearne. People greeted her with, “Hi, Miss Barbara” at the bank, at Mary’s, Ama’s, the Dixie, and Dollar General, as well as by the ladies of McDonald’s on her daily trip to pick up chicken nuggets for her devoted dog, Lady. Barbara was generous and strong willed, and up until the final few years of her life, was a regular bridge player enjoying the companionship of her many playing partners. She was also proud to be a long-time member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Hearne, Texas. Barbara had many good friends in the community and was close to her niece, Cathy Vaughn, and her family who also live in Hearne and were of a great help to her on a regular basis.

Barbara and her husband, Carl, worked together to start their own commercial fertilizer busines, with each contributing their own individual talents to the business’ success. Carl always said that Barbara did not hesitate to tell him how things were going and where she felt they could improve. She always kept a big candy bowl and a pot of coffee in the office to encourage friends to drop by, even if it was just to talk. Roscoe Taylor worked for them for 45 years and to this day, he remains a part of the family. 

She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Carl; her brother, Wallace Thomas; and her sister, Patsy Oliver. 

Barbara is survived by one sister, Jo Ann Gregory, as well as her children, grandchildren, and various nieces and nephews. 

Barbara’s lasting impact on her family and her community will be felt for many years, continuing through the future generations of her family.  She will be missed.