She was filled with beauty and charm, but these words only partially describe Barbara Lynn Sloane who died February 1, 2018 surrounded by her loving family and friends. No description is complete without the word "courageous" for this woman who valiantly fought an 11-year battle with cancer with utmost grace.

Born June 3, 1950, in Nacogdoches, she was the daughter of Eugene and Lessie Watkins. She grew up in Central Heights and attended school there where she met John William Sloane. Following her graduation in 1968, the two were married Nov. 1, 1969, and they knew they were destined for lifelong love. John's love for all things antique was shared with Barbara whose life, hobbies and career was marked by a love of anything vintage, historical, and old. She and John went on dates to antique auctions and antique shows. They traveled the United States with each other and their family, attending and working flea markets and antique shows from Round Top, Texas, to Brimfield, Mass. They even honeymooned at the famed Canton First Monday Trades Day. Her love of antiques was also shared with her daughters where they could always be spotted on early Friday mornings looking for that hidden treasure at local garage sales.

It wasn't enough for Barbara just to own an antique, however. She excelled in displays and presentation, which was especially evident at her downtown shop, Sloane's Antiques, which she owned and operated for about 25 years. Every teacup, silver spoon and piece of furniture was thoughtfully displayed. She loved interior decorating, evidenced in her shop and her home, which was formerly owned by famed book author Garland Roark. She restored it beautifully, opening her doors to the public one year for the Nacogdoches Christmas Tour of Homes. She especially loved decorating and cooking for her family for all holidays, especially Christmas, and filled her home with gorgeous seasonal antiques and delicious aromas. Christmas was always a delightful time for the family at the Sloane house. In spring and summer she could be found working in her yard, where she found great joy in creating a beautiful yard full of flowers.

In short, everything she touched was beautiful.

More than her love of beautiful old things, however, was her love for her family. She participated in all events involving her daughters as they grew up and her granddaughters at ballet practices and performances, cheerleading and athletic events, school productions and more. She never let cancer stop her participation in their lives and she made every hour count to fight the disease. Barbara was a faithful member of North St. Church of Christ with her family and volunteered regularly at the Harvest House food pantry, her favorite charity.

She is survived by her husband, John; two daughters and sons-in-law, Karri Rachelle Bedford and husband Bert; and Scarlett Rebecca Long and husband Mike; and granddaughters Bayley Elizabeth Bedford, Gracie Sloane Bedford, and Isabella Faith Bedford; her mother-in-law, Hazel Phillips; and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. Special thanks are extended to her caregivers Taymesha Hill, Jackie Upshaw and Kendra Williams; and Hospice of East Texas. A Celebration of Life is scheduled for 2:00 pm on Wednesday February 7, 2018 at North St Church of Christ. Family and friends are invited to a visitation on Tuesday February 6th from 5:00-7:00 pm at the church. Interment will be a private family service at a later time. Curtis Barbarick will officiate. Memorial contributions can be made to either The Harvest House or Hospice of East Texas. Services are under the direction of O.T. Allen & Son.