Barbara Ann Tyson was a woman who could not be easily forgotten. Born on February 26, 1958, in Ladd, Arkansas, to the late Lurenza Tyson, Sr. and Mattie B. Pace, Barbara lived a life filled with faith, family, service, and a personality that was uniquely her own. At a young age, Barbara accepted Christ at First Baptist Church, beginning a Christian journey that remained a part of her life. Her faith helped shape the woman she became and the way she cared for the people around her. Barbara was an exceptional young woman, graduating from Pine Bluff High School at just 16 years old. After high school, she attended the University of Central Arkansas, where she began taking courses in nursing. She later entered the military, and it was during this chapter of her life that she discovered her passion for nursing and caring for others. She followed that calling and earned her nursing degree from the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. Nursing became more than a career for Barbara, it was an opportunity to serve, to care, and to make a difference in the lives of others.

Throughout her years as a nurse, Barbara worked in a variety of nursing positions. She cared deeply about her patients and took her profession seriously. But anyone who knew Barbara also knew there was much more to her than her career. She was caring and compassionate, but she was also strong-minded and opinionated. Barbara believed in saying what she thought, standing up for what she believed, and being there for the people she loved. She especially took her role as a sister and mother seriously. Her family knew they could count on her strength, her honesty, and her presence. She had a way of leaving an impression sometimes through her loving heart, sometimes through her words, and often simply by being Barbara. On September 27, 2026, Barbara departed this life, leaving behind a family and circle of friends who will deeply feel her absence. She was preceded in death by her father, Lurenza Tyson, Sr., and brother Ben Tyson, III, affectionately known as “Chuck.”

Barbara leaves behind her three children, JetAime Jones, Jeremy Tyson, and Johnathan Etherly; her grandchildren, Kiarra Gilbreath, Shermaine Delaney, Dajiaha Nichols, Chloe Nichols, and Kaylee Nichols; and three great-grandchildren Leilani Phillips, Lilah Phillips and Dayton Childs, who will carry her love and memory into the future. She also leaves her loving mother, Mattie B. Pace; seven sisters, Annetta Jackson (Jim), Maxine Yarbrough (the late Calvin), Evelyn Brown (Reginald), Shirley Tyson, Patricia Washington (Mark), Hazel Harris, and Sandra (Nnamdi); two brothers, Lurenza Tyson, Jr. (Clementine) and Llugene Dewayne Tyson (Michelle); and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and friends. Barbara will be remembered not only for the work she did, but for the life she lived and the people she loved. Her presence brought something special to her family, and the sound of her voice, the strength of her personality, and the memories she created will remain with those who knew her. Though her earthly journey has come to an end, Barbara’s legacy continues through her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, siblings, family, and friends. Rest well, Barbara. Your presence will truly be missed, but your memory will live on in the hearts of all who loved you.