Barbara was a lifetime and proud member of Pilgrim Rest African Methodist Episcopal Church where she served in the capacity of Monticello/Warren District Steward, Mary E. Lee Missionary Society member, and as a pianist and organist for many years. She was very active in her church and loved everything and everyone in her church. Nothing pleased her heart more than assisting her pastors and exercising her culinary skills especially when it involved the fellowship of church members and guests. Taking care of her family was her greatest joy in the world and seeing them happy brought such peace to her. Barbara had a very contagious laugh and a beautiful smile that will forever be imprinted in the hearts of all who encountered her.
Barbara was raised and educated in the Monticello area. She was the Drew High School Class of 1963 valedictorian. Following graduation, she led had a stellar professional career that began as a licensed cosmetologist. She attended Arkansas AM&N, now the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff for two years before transferring to A&M, now the University of Arkansas at Monticello. She became one of the first African American students to attend UAM. In 1967, she made history by becoming the first African American to graduate from UAM earning a degree in English and a minor in speech.
She left a mark of forty years in the educational field in the following Arkansas school districts: Dermott, Warren, Hamburg, and Watson Chapel in Pine Bluff where she retired. During her profession educational journey, she was blessed to have touched the lives of many students which provided her with many memorable moments of joy.
Barbara was also a proud Lifetime Golden Soror of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., member of the Order of Eastern Stars Sunshine Chapter #64, and a retired member of the Arkansas Education Association.
Barbara was preceded in death by her siblings: James Blanks, Mizella Wells, and Bonnie Jean Brown.
A lifetime of love and memories will forever be remembered and cherished by her very loving and devoted husband, whom she affectionately called "My Best Friend," Thomas Gathen; her children, Tommy Gathen (Merritt) of Memphis, TN; Kristi Gathen-Ridgell (David Karon) and Tiffany Gathen, both of Monticello, AR; three lovely granddaughters, Brittney Gathen, Morgan Gathen, and Corinne Ridgell, who affectionately called their grandmother "Nana and Granny"; her three sisters, Rotean Sawyer of Los Angeles, CA; Gloria Hardy (Eric) of Southfield, MI; and Jackie Jones of Monticello, AR; two brothers, Elihue Blanks, Jr., of Los Angeles, CA; and Lonnie Blanks of Fountain Hill, AR; and a host of devoted nieces, nephews, cousins, many relatives, and friends.
A walk-through viewing strictly adhering to COVID-19 guidelines will be Tuesday, July 21, 2020 from 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. at Stephenson-Dearman Chapel. Graveside services will be 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, July 22, 2020 at Oakland Cemetery in Monticello, AR. For more information please visit www.stephensondearman.com and sign the online guest book.
Condolences(60)
John Paige
Warren, TX Tuesday, July 28, 2020Monnetta Willis
Arkansas City, AR Sunday, July 26, 2020 My condolence to you Mr. Gathen,I was the nurse from Arkansas City that you hire, I pray that The Lord continue to strength you in this time of loss.Curtis & Joyce Craft
, AR Sunday, July 26, 2020 Thomas & Family,We just learned about Barbara passing. We were so shocked did not want to believe it. I just remember how vibrant she was I would look forward to seeing her at the different meetings we would attend. Words cannot express our sorrow. Please know that our prayers and thoughts are with you and family. God Bless, Joyce & Curtis
Curtis and Joyce Craft
Hot Springs National Park, AR Sunday, July 26, 2020 Thomas and Family,We just learned about Barbara passing today and we were shocked, couldn't believe it! She always had a smile and just so pleasant to be around at any of our educational meetings. We are so sorry for your loss. Please know that you and your family will be in our prayers and thoughts! Take care and God Bless, Joyce & Curtis
Shannon Smith
Kansas City, MO Friday, July 24, 2020 Mrs. Gathen, I am saddened by the news of your passing. You were a teacher that really made a difference in my life. You made me a better student, but most of all...a young lady. I wish I could tell you that you are now looking at the proud principal of an elementary school in Kansas. This will be my first year, but my first year took me back to your classroom and the overall start to a new journey. You told me to change my thinking,walk, and talk or I would end up on the wrong road in life. I respected you so much and you will truly be missed. Your seeds of love did not go to the wayside. I am now able to touch others lives the same as you did for me. I love you Ms. Gathen Bae-Bae! May you Rest In Peace and many prayers for your family at this time. Watson Chapel Class of 2006.Era Wilks
Dermott, AR Thursday, July 23, 2020 Please know, you all are in my prayers during this painful time. May God bless and keep you.Vikki Streeter Rasshan
Chino Hills, CA Wednesday, July 22, 2020 We are so sorry for your loss. Barbara was a beautiful person. She had the most beautiful smile. Loved you my dear cousin. Sending our love to the family.Vikki Streeter Rasshan and family
Zachary Burks
Warren, AR Wednesday, July 22, 2020 Years of friendship shell be cherished.Ron Jones
Los Angeles, CA Wednesday, July 22, 2020 Our prayers are with you and the family during this difficult time.God is a good God and he will see you and strengthen you through the days to come.
Cloverne Hudson
Macon, GA Wednesday, July 22, 2020 In times like these there's not a lot to be said that will ease the pain you have my greatest condolences.Beverly Jones
, AR Wednesday, July 22, 2020 Prayers to the Gathen family during this time. Soror Barbara was a real inspiration to many educators and Sorors.Bo & Jaye Hembree
Warren, AR Wednesday, July 22, 2020 Our deepest sympathies with lots of love and respect for your family. Praying now and will continue to do so for the days ahead.Love,
Bo and Jaye Hembree
Tawanda Nickles-McKenzie
Lubbock, TX Wednesday, July 22, 2020 Hello Family. I just wanted you to know that we Love you and are praying for this journey.Gail & Jalon Smith
, AR Wednesday, July 22, 2020 It was very devastating hearing about the death of a great woman. Thomas (Uncle Thom), Kristi, Tiffany. and Tommy stay strong. God has everything in control. She's gone to a prepared place. No more suffering and no more pain. God loves you all and so do we. God bless you all. Love always, Gail and JalonDenise Neal
Forney, TX Wednesday, July 22, 2020 My heartfelt condolences to Uncle Thomas, Tiffany and Christie as well as the entire Gathen family. Know that we love you and are sending love, joy and hopefulness in the days to come. God's best always!LaSandra Shaw
Mcgehee, AR Wednesday, July 22, 2020 Sorry for your lossReginia Hawkins-Jones
Monticello, AR Wednesday, July 22, 2020 Dear family:My heart bleeds with you for the loss of our loved one. Barbara Ann was a prime example of the bold and beautiful. I am eternally grateful to have shared in the precious moments she and her husband (Thomas) spent visiting with my mother during her battle with cancer. Barbara's smile, laughter, love and generosity will never be forgotten.
Love Always,
Reginia Hawkins-Jones
Vicky Williamson
Spring Valley, CA Wednesday, July 22, 2020 My prayers and thoughts are with each of you . Barbara Ann was such an inspiration to me and it was always a joy to be in her presence. She will truly be missed! May God continue to give you all strength and peace during this difficult time.Vicky Williamson & Family
MELVETA HENRY
Tillar, AR Wednesday, July 22, 2020 Sending my deepest condolences to Ms. Gathen's Husband, children, grandchildren and other family members and friends. I remember her always being so sweet and with a smile on her face. When my son was playing basketball, she and her best friend, Mr. Gathen would always travel to see the games. May God bless you all and give you peace and strength you need in your time of bereavement and the days ahead. May God bless each of you.Dr Neich Robinson,Jr
Monticello, AR Tuesday, July 21, 2020 Condolences to you Mr Gathen and family.Vicky L Reed
White Hall, AR Tuesday, July 21, 2020 To Mr Gathan and family, my deepest condolences. Many prayers to you all.JAMES JONES
PINE BLUFF, AR Tuesday, July 21, 2020 Sorry for you lost. Praying for my favorite boss and family.Dollarway Coaching Staff.
Gladys Benford
White Hall, AR Tuesday, July 21, 2020 I'm deeply saddened at the loss of my dear Soror, and my heartfelt condolences and love are extended to the family. I will always remember Barbara's beautiful smile and loving and gentle spirit. Take comfort, family, knowing that you shall see her again. May she rest in love and peace with our loving Father in Heaven.Penny Waddell
Pine Bluff, AR Tuesday, July 21, 2020 My prayers and thoughts are with each of you . May God continue to give you strength.Bettye Wright
White Hall, AR Tuesday, July 21, 2020 May God bless you and family as you grieve the loss of Our Beautiful Golden Soror, Barbara Gathen. My prayer is that you will find peace and comfort during this time. I was honored to have shared the same Golden Soror table with her during our last Founders’ Day in January 2020. I will never forget this sweet lady.Love to the family,
Bettye Dunn-Wright
Tanya Brooks Harding
Fresno, CA Tuesday, July 21, 2020 You will Truly be Missed Auntie.... You were the Family's Comedian...I Truly enjoyed sending those weekly Encouraging text messages to You. Eternal Rest in the Arms of The LORD!!!!! Prayers Are Up for Comfort, for the Family, in their time of Bereavement. Sending Virtual Hugs from the Mizella Brooks Family........Linnie Wear
Pine Bluff, AR Tuesday, July 21, 2020 Bro. Gathen and family, you all are in my prayers!.Brenda Brooks
Fresno, CA Tuesday, July 21, 2020 My "Auntie" Barbara Ann...I admired the life that you lead and the kindness that is such a sweet and natural part of you. I admired the way you treated other people. I admired how easily a smile finds its way to your face. I admired the work that you do and the places your journeys took you. I admired your dedication to all the right things and your devotion to your friends and your family. I admired how completely you care and how you are always there for the people who needed you. I admired you with all my heart for being the hope and delight that you are to my life. I will miss you dearly my "Auntie" Barbara Ann...with love Brendasue.
Barbara A Benton
Monticello, AR Tuesday, July 21, 2020 I am so sorry for your loss. Kristi and Tiffany, please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. Morgan and Corrine, continue to make your grandmother proud. I love you guys and stay strong.Ms. "B"
Shirlene Wiley Stewart
Warren, AR Tuesday, July 21, 2020 Dhe was truly an amazing woman. She pusted everyone to be the best I love you. You are in my prayers. WHS class 91Regina Callum Junior
Banks, AR Tuesday, July 21, 2020 My deepest condolences to my extended family. May God provide and guide your broken hearts during this devastating time as only God can. May her memories and that beautiful laugh and smile give you some peace and joy as you think of Mrs. Barbara on each day. My love ❤💖 and continued prayers to all her family 🙏🏾🙏🏾. I love you all 💕.Emily Hope Sangster Lasiter
Warren, AR Tuesday, July 21, 2020 Coach Gathan and family you are in my thoughts and prayers. God be with you all.Hollis Trotter
Fort Worth, TX Tuesday, July 21, 2020 As for you, go your way till the end. You will rest, and then at the end of the days you will rise to receive your allotted inheritance (Daniel 12:13).Jennifer Groves Stone
Star City, AR Tuesday, July 21, 2020 I am so sorry for your loss. Prayers for this sweet family.Janice Jones Hayes
Los Angeles, CA Monday, July 20, 2020 We are so saddened to hear about Barbara Ann. 2020 has been a difficult year. As family we will each take a day at a time. Your cousins in Los Angeles send our love through this difficult timeLetonia Boswell (Honeycake)
White Hall, AR Monday, July 20, 2020 A special, precious gem has been called home.I am so blessed that I was able to share precious moments with Mrs. Gathen. She always kept me smiling and laughing. She will be greatly missed. I love you all.
Carol Hooper
Warren, AR Monday, July 20, 2020 Sending Condolences to the Family. She will be truly missedLenora Brooks-Phillips
Fresno, CA Monday, July 20, 2020 We will miss you auntie Barbara Ann. We loved you and you have always been a mentor, historian and one of the main stays of our family.Lenora, Thomas, Chanell, Crystal, Gerald III and my 5 grandchildren and Great grandson.
Marilyn Jackson-Smith
Warren, AR Monday, July 20, 2020 So blessed to have been one of Barbara Ann's friends when I lived in Monticello yeas ago. We shared a lot of laughs together. Praying for the family. Gone, but never ever forgotten!Hallie Valentine
Picayune, MS Monday, July 20, 2020 Please accept my deepest condolences for your family's loss.Love you
Rhonda
Arlington, TX Monday, July 20, 2020 Tiffany and family, so sorry for your loss. I am praying for you all. May the Lord Jesus comfort, keep and strengthen you all during this time.Gaynell Jamison
Monticello, AR Monday, July 20, 2020 Thomas, Kristi and Tiffany:My heart is heavy as we all face and adhere to God's Call of returning Barbara home to him. She left many memories for each of you, her immediate family, grandchildren, church family, former students and friends. I will miss her and that contagious smile and laughter that she spread around Pilgrim Rest and our church family.
It is my prayer that God will be with you and the girls to comfort you and ease your sorrow. Hold fast to the memories that you created and shared with her. Know that you have gained an angel and she will definitely be watching from above now. Still telling us all what to do. I will miss that too.
With Deepest Sympathy,
Gaynell Jamison
Brenda Jacobs
Monticello, AR Monday, July 20, 2020 My sincere condolences to the family, she left a legacy! She was loved by many!Donald and Alberta Flentroy
Crossett, AR Monday, July 20, 2020 Thomas and Family: Words cannot adequately express the sorrow we feel at the loss of Barbara. She was my big sister growing up in shoe-make quarters. A bond of love/friendship was developed then and will never be broken. Barbara was truly a dear friend one that can't be replaced and will always be remembered. We, I, loved her but God loved her more. May she rest in peace!Faye Harris-Greene
Flat Rock, MI Monday, July 20, 2020 Kristi and Tiffany I am so sorry for your lost. Barbara was such a beautiful lady inside and out. May God give you both strength.Dell Donaldson
Monticello, AR Monday, July 20, 2020 I just wanted you all to know that I am praying for comfort during your time of loss and heart break. This lady seemed to have left a legacy. Many prayers and lots of love for your family Ms. Ridgell.Mary Ellen Givens
Lake Village, AR Sunday, July 19, 2020 Barbara was my dear friend and colleague at Hamburg High School. I will never forget her fun-loving nature and spunky personality, and I am blessed to have known her.My thoughts and prayers to Thomas and family.
Carlton Twine
Atlanta, GA Sunday, July 19, 2020 My condolences to the family. Barbra was an outstanding person .Judy Hubbell
Wilmar, AR Sunday, July 19, 2020 Kristi and Tiffany, I am so sorry about the loss of your mother. You will be in my prayers.MARILYN E MATTHEWS
North Little Rock, AR Sunday, July 19, 2020 To the Gathen/Blanks Family: My deepest sympathy to you all and may God keep you during this time. Barbara was a wonderful cousin and she will be missed.Winnie Wilson
Humphrey, AR Sunday, July 19, 2020 My prayers and thoughts are with each of you . May God continue to give you strength is my prayer.With Loving Thoughts
Winnie Wilson
Winnie Wilson
Humphrey, AR Sunday, July 19, 2020 My prayers and thoughts are with each of you . May God continue to give you strength is my prayer.With Loving Thoughts
Winnie Wilson
Tina Owens
Pine Bluff, AR Sunday, July 19, 2020 To the Gathen Family,Our thoughts and prayers are with you during your time of bereavement. We will miss Mrs. Gathen beautiful and friendly smile at UAPB Home Basketball Games. Rest assure there is comfort in the word of God.
With sympathy and love,
Tina Owens and Family
Gwendolyn Harris
, AR Sunday, July 19, 2020 Barbara Ann it has been a joy knowing you for the first time when my Aunt Jackie Martin( your friend forever) brought you to Crossett, AR to visit her family. I was a little girl then. But I can and always remember that laugh and smile. You were such a beautiful and caring lady. You would always tell Aunt Jack to tell Gwen about the tailgate at UAPB. There was good eating going on there. I will truly miss you. 😢❤️🙏ANITA RILEY
MONTICELLO, AR Sunday, July 19, 2020 To the entire family,I am so sorry for your loss. This one hit really hard. Aunt B was so special to our family and we truly loved her. Look to the hills, Kristi, Tiffany,Uncle T, and the entire family. May God comfort each of you during this time of sorrow. I love you, family.
Michael, Anita, and our Crew
Ann Ingram
Monticello, AR Sunday, July 19, 2020 Condolences for the family. Sending love and prayers.Ashley Jones
Monticello, AR Sunday, July 19, 2020 Tee tee, you have been just like a second mother to me because you loved me and cared for me like your own. You were more than an aunt to me. You held our family together and I know that you’ll continue to keep us close. This is a hard pill to swallow but we all know that God makes no mistakes. We all are going to be alright, you just take your rest. No more pains and aches, God got you now! I love you so much tee tee and I’ll see you soon again!!Jacqueline Jones
Monticello, AR Saturday, July 18, 2020 Sis, I'm already missing you!!!! You were in my life for 54 years. You taught me so many things about life. I'm so glad that I had the chance to talk to you, not knowing that would be our last conversation. I love you so much and I'm also happy to know that I told you that often. Take your rest and watch over us. This is so hard!!!Annette Simpson Gardner
tillar, AR Saturday, July 18, 2020 Sorry to hear of the loss of your mother.The family has my sincere condolence. Barbara was a beautiful person always wore a smile and was always glad to see the people she knew. May she rest in God's love until we meet on that other side.Andrea(Allen)Hudson
North Chicago, IL Saturday, July 18, 2020 You're in our thoughts and prayers during this time.