Barbara Hallmark

Barbara Ann Hallmark's remarkable life began on June 19, 1938 in Jones County, TX and was the oldest of six children born to A B and Margaret Cox. She had a deep sisterly and motherly love for her 5 siblings, Terry, Larry, Richie, Cheri and Lisa. Barbara received her bachelor's degree in education and retired after teaching for many years in the Abilene Independent School District. She married Robert Keith Utter in 1958 and had many wonderful years together until his untimely passing. They were gifted with four boys, Jeff, Greg, Chris and Marc. Barbara found love again and married James Hallmark in 1981 in Abilene. Her family grew to include Mark and Jana. She had an artistic spirit and it was evident in her many projects which displayed her whimsical spirit.

Our beautiful mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, and aunt Barbara has gone home to be with her Lord with a restored mind and body. We celebrate her life and legacy. She was linen suits and button necklaces. She was chunky amber jewelry and pantyhose for every occasion, a suitcase of cards from James and lavender soaps in every drawer. She was lounge dresses and clogs picking weeds in her garden. She was cigarettes, coffee, and deep conversation on her back porch. She was a country girl and a world traveler, the strong-willed mother of four boys, the life of every party, a silly sister, and the adventurer at James' side. She was an open door to all, a home for the homeless, and rest for the weary. She was full of grace, put-you-in-your-place, don't stop the race, and place your hope in Jesus. She never shied from prying too deep or saying exactly what was on her mind. She was the matriarch to our magnificent mess, and we are fumbling a little without her. But we know that now she is once again vibrant and full of life and probably throwing one of her famous luaus in the presence of her King.

Barbara's spirit lives on in her loving family. Through her participation in the Emmaus and recovery communities Barbara touched many lives and made many friends.

Barbara was also preceded in death by her brother, Terry Cox.

A celebration of this remarkable woman's life will be held on Tuesday, October 2, 2018 at 11 AM at the Elmwood Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will follow at Elmwood memorial Park. There will be a visitation with the family on Monday, October 1 from 5 to 7 PM at the funeral home.

Visitation

Elmwood Funeral Home
5750 HWY 277 South
Abilene, TX  79606
Monday, October 1, 2018
5 to 7 PM

Service

Elmwood Funeral Home Chapel
5750 HWY 277 South
Abilene, TX  79606
Tuesday, October 2, 2018
11 AM

Cemetery

Elmwood Memorial Park
5750 HWY 277 South
Abilene, TX  79606