Barbara Ann Weems, 81, of Hope, AR, passed away on January 11, 2023, after battling a short illness.

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, Geneva and Norywel Gildon, husband William Oran Weems, Jr., brother, James 'Solen' Gildon, and sisters Louise Smith and Carolyn Clifford.  She is survived by her children, Gary & Marianne Weems of Hope, AR; Gina & Dan Thompson, of Lindale, TX; Anthony & Dena Weems, of Bradley, AR; and Willie and Lynn Weems, of Texarkana, AR; grandchildren Coleman Thompson, Kamren Scott (Jeremy), William Weems (Nicole), Clay Thompson, Blaine Weems (Jorden), and Scott Weems, Jessica (Lucas) Brasfield, Holden Williams and three great grandchildren; brothers William "Bud" Gildon, Allen "Joey" Gildon, Jerry Gildon, Earnest "Rusty" Gildon, and Michael Gildon; and sister Charlene Williams.

Barbara will forever be remembered as a beloved mother, Nana, and teacher to many.  After an early career as a hairdresser, Barbara pursued a teaching certification.  She worked for 29 years at Bradley Elementary School as both a classroom teacher and reading interventionist before retiring in 2011. There are many former students who remained special to her throughout the remainder of her life.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. Brent Bennett and the staff at Christus Trinity Clinic for the love and care they have provided Barbara over the years.  Special gratitude is also extended to her caregiver Sue Bradford and longtime friends Wanda Peek and Pauline Jones who have always been special to Barbara.

Pallbearers will be Blaine Weems, Scott Weems, William Weems, Joseph Van, Colton Spence, and Payton Spence.

Visitation will be Friday, January 13, 2023, from 5:00 until 7:00 pm at the Brazzel Funeral Home in Hope, AR.   Burial services will be 2:00pm on Saturday, January 14, 2023, with Tommy Weems officiating, at Walnut Hill Cemetery in Bradley, Arkansas. Funeral services are under the direction of BRAZZEL/OAKCREST The Funeral Home of Hope, Eddie Brazzel Director. Online condolences: www.brazzelfuneralhomes.com