Barbara Redding

Barbara Jean Redding, 75, of Waco, passed away Saturday, June 27, 2009 at Providence Health Center.

Services will be held 10 a.m. Tuesday, June 30 at Western Heights Baptist Church with the Rev. Curtis Holland officiating. Burial will follow at Waco Memorial Park. Visitation will be 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Monday at OakCrest Funeral Home.

Barbara was born on December 12, 1933 in Lott, Texas to Debs and D.A. Johnson. She graduated from Lott High School in 1951. Barbara was married to her High School Sweetheart, Raymond Marsh Redding, on September 19, 1952, at the First Baptist Church in Lott, Texas. After moving to Waco, she began working at Texas Life Insurance Company. She then spent many years keeping the books, answering the phones, and doing whatever Raymond needed for Specialty Cleaning Services from the "comfort" of their home. Barbara then moved to the position of President where she worked with Raymond side by side at Specialty Restoration of Texas, Inc. until her retirement in 2001.

She has been an active member of Western Heights Baptist Church for over 40 years, serving on various committees during that time. She attended the Sarah Sunday school class where she was surrounded by many close friends.

Barbara loved spending time with family and friends. Her life focused on her 3 boys and their ball games at the Lake Air Little League Park, and continued with her grandchildren's ballgames, recitals, concerts and school activities. Traveling was also one of her enjoyments during her life. She enjoyed cruises, traveling with church friends, and the "annual family summer vacation getaways" that always created fond memories for all.
Barbara made a difference in people's lives because she was a woman passionate in her faith and in prayer. She was a concerned and caring wife, mother, grandmother and friend. One of her daily prayers was to be a blessing to others and to inspire and uplift her family and friends. This prayer describes the way Barbara lived her life. She will be missed by all the ones who were touched by her friendship and love.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and her husband, Raymond M. Redding who passed away September 6, 2008.

Barbara is survived by her sons, Craig Redding and Stephanie Traina of Austin, Wayne Redding and wife, Karen of China Spring, and Stuart Redding and wife, Tracy of Waco; nine grandchildren, Clint Redding, Natalie Redding, Matthew Redding, Josh Redding, Chad Redding, Branson Redding, Sydney Redding, Seth Redding and Baylee Jean Redding; brother, James Johnson and wife, Vicky of Midlothian; sister, Debra Crosby and husband, Larry of Lumberton; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Pallbearers will be her grandsons, Clint Redding, Matthew Redding, Josh Redding, Chad Redding, Branson Redding and Seth Redding. Honorary pallbearers will be her granddaughters, Natalie Redding, Sydney Redding and Baylee Jean Redding.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Western Heights Baptist Church, 6301 Bosque Blvd. Waco, Texas 76710 or to K Life of Waco, PO Box 8577 Waco, Texas 76714