01/02/2026
Our condolences to the family of Barbara Dunnihoo.
Barbara Jean Jones Dunnihoo, age 82, of Pottsboro, Texas, passed away peacefully on December 31, 2025, in her home, surrounded by loved ones. In her final days, she was blessed by a steady stream of visitors—friends and family alike—each one a testament to the kindness, warmth, and quiet strength she shared throughout her life.
Barbara was born on July 2, 1943, at Newman Memorial Hospital in Shattuck, Oklahoma, to Arthur Willis and Alice Louise (Black) Jones. She grew up on a cattle ranch and wheat farm in nearby Catesby, where she learned early the value of hard work, responsibility, and caring for others. Whether tending animals, helping with farm chores, or keeping the home tidy, she approached every task with a gentle spirit and a dependable heart. After graduating from Shattuck High School in 1961, she married her high school sweetheart, Donald Dunnihoo. Their simple wedding began a beautiful 63 year partnership filled with love, laughter, adventure, and unwavering devotion.
Barbara and Donald began their life together in Shattuck, where she worked at a local bank. Donald’s work later carried them across Oklahoma and to several other states, including Mississippi and Texas. In 1968, when Donald proudly began his service in the United States Army, they embarked on new adventures in Massachusetts, Kentucky, Tennessee, and Germany—experiences that broadened their world and strengthened their bond.
Their daughter, Traci Dawn, was born in Shawnee, Oklahoma, in 1973, followed by their son, Gregory Alan, born in Dallas, Texas, in 1979. They raised their children in Lewisville, Texas, before fulfilling their dream of moving to Lake Texoma and building a homestead in Pottsboro in 1982. For two years, the family lived in a tiny motorhome with their children and dog while they designed and built their home—an experience that became one of their most cherished stories. Together, they cultivated the land, built a large greenhouse, and created a place that reflected their values of hard work, hospitality, and simple joy.
Barbara quickly became known in the community for the plants she nurtured in her greenhouse and for her honor system vegetable stand, always stocked with fresh produce from her one acre garden. Her tomatoes and cantaloupe were local favorites, and her basement was always filled with jars of home canned vegetables and her beloved blackberry jelly. Over the years, she and Donald raised chickens, pigs, and a few head of cattle. Though she worked briefly at a local bank, Barbara’s heart was always happiest at home—caring for her family, tending her garden, and creating a warm, welcoming place for all who visited.
A loyal friend and a steady presence in the lives of many, Barbara’s greatest joy was her grandchildren. She attended every performance, game, and award ceremony she could, always glowing with pride. She made holidays—especially birthdays, Christmas, and Easter—magical, often surprising her grandchildren with funny or unexpected gifts that became treasured memories. In her later years, she cherished time spent with friends, reminiscing with her sister, and hearing stories of her grandchildren’s adventures. She loved shopping with Traci, watching hummingbirds flutter around her feeders, and relaxing with her many word search books. She also enjoyed riding around in her side by side to feed the raccoons and looked forward to socializing on Fridays when she got her hair done and made her weekly trip to Arroyos for Mexican food.
Barbara is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Donald; her father, Arthur; her mother, Alice; her brother, Bob Jones, and his wife, Kathy; and her brother in law, Bob Grace.
She is survived by her children, Traci Johnson and husband Eric of Denison, Texas, and Greg Dunnihoo and wife Erica of Pottsboro, Texas; five grandchildren—Alex Johnson, Garrett Johnson, Cade Johnson, Taylor Dockery, and Parker Dunnihoo; and one great grandchild, Hayes Dockery. She is also survived by her siblings, Beverly Grace and Gary Jones and his wife Gina, along with many nieces and nephews who loved her dearly.
The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Stephanie, Toni, and Stacie with Home Hospice of Grayson County in Sherman for the exceptional care and compassion they provided to Barbara in her final weeks.
Graveside services will be held at 1 PM, Wednesday, January 7, 2026, at Georgetown Cemetery in Pottsboro. Family will receive friends during a visitation from 4 to 6 PM, Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow, 401 W Woodard Street, Denison, Texas 75020. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to a charity of your choice
