Barbara was the first of four children born to parents Trent and Rosemary Thompson. She was a proud lifelong Texan. She spent most of her early life in San Saba, Early, and Brownwood, Texas. She graduated from San Saba High School and later received her degree in criminal justice from St. Edward’s University, making her the first person in her immediate family to receive a college degree. She worked for the parole board in Austin, was active in political fundraising, and served as the President of the Republican Women’s Party in Arlington, Texas. Barbara was proud to have received a Lifetime Achievement Award for her volunteerism.

Barbara is preceded in death by her parents Trent and Rosemary Thompson, and siblings Lindsey Trent Thompson and Mary Helen Eaton. Barbara is survived by her brother Steven Trent Thompson (Catherine); daughters Sherry Lynn Benjamin (Ronnie) and Trisha Lynn Slaughter (Chip Deka); grandchildren Shane Carl Benjamin (Kristen), Levi Jackson Benjamin, and Novah Lynn Deka-Slaughter; nephews and niece Chris Eaton, Benjamin Eaton (Alisha Marie), Nora Thompson, and Aidan Thompson; great-niece and nephews Annabelle Eaton, Parker Eaton, and Corbin Eaton.

Services for Barbara will be Friday, March 6, 2026 at Heartland Funeral Home in Early. Visitation will start at noon followed by the funeral service at 2 pm with interment to follow at Greenleaf Cemetery in Brownwood. Family and friends are welcome to meet at Underwood’s for an early dinner following the burial.

Online condolences, memories and tributes can be made to the family at www.heartlandfuneralhome.net