Barbara Little

Barbara (Perry) Colwell Little of Mineola, Texas, peacefully entered Heaven's Garden on March 29, 2025 at the age of 80 at the Hospice of East Texas in Tyler. She was surrounded by the love of her family throughout her final moments.

Born on November 28, 1944, in Houston, Texas, to W.T. and Virginia Perry, Barbara was a loving and devoted mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, teacher, children's church teacher, and friend. She was a faithful member of New Hope Baptist Church where she spent her time growing in Christ and sharing her passions for Christ with her amazing friends. She spent her life caring for others and dedicated herself to her family and community. Known for her Christ-like approach to teaching young minds, and with her subtle stubbornness to never accept defeat, she had a heart full of love and an unwavering devotion to those she cared about.

After Barbara graduated from Artesia High School, she attended McMurry University in Abilene, Texas, where she met her first husband, Henry Huey Colwell, Jr. The two of them had three children together, John Colwell, Jimmy Colwell, and Leah (Colwell) McQuitty. Barbara went on to teach elementary school in Midland/Odessa, Texas, and Lubbock, Texas. After the passing of Henry in 1990, Barbara reconnected with her high school sweetheart, James (Jim) Arthur Little. They were married on April 2, 1994, in Lubbock. She went on to teach middle school in Liberal, Kansas. She and Jim both shared a passion for travel, family, and education. Barbara passed away just days before their 31st wedding anniversary.

She is preceded in death by her parents, W.T. and Virginia Perry, her sister, Carol (Perry) Crenshaw, a son, Jimmy Clint Colwell, and a grandson, Jameson Dudley McQuitty.

She is survived by her husband, Jim Little, sister, Nancy (Perry) Hargrave (husband, Tom), a son, John H. Colwell (wife, Carol), daughter, Leah (Colwell) McQuitty (husband, Ryan), daughter, Heather (Little) Dondis (husband Andy), son, Michael Little (wife, Kelly), and daughter, Whitney (Little) Farnham (husband Jim). Her grandchildren, Randi, Kaiden, Kris, Alexander, Abby, James, Ava, Jack, and Benjamin, and great- grandchildren, Rhett, Bowman, Peyton, Nolan, and Addie, who were her pride and joy and those she loved to dote over.

Not only did she love her family intensely, but Barbara was an avid reader and writer who loved to document her travels and stories. Her passions touched the lives of everyone around her. Whether it was through her teaching at schools and churches or sharing her son Jimmy's story of addiction and recovery, she left an indelible mark on the hearts of many. Her legacy will live on through her children, grandchildren, and many students who she loved and cared for over the years, and who will carry forward her values of love, compassion, and strength. She was the cornerstone of our family, and her memory will be cherished forever.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, May 10, 2025 at 10:00 AM at New Hope Baptist Church in Mineola, Texas. A second service will be held in Artesia, NM at a later date for her inurnment ceremony. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to New Hope Baptist Church Youth Ministry in her memory.