Barbara Ann Brossette Callens, 79, passed away peacefully at the home of her daughter Shannon in Humble, Texas on July 5, 2020. Barbara suffered a massive stroke in December of 2017 and since that time was cared for by her children in Humble, Texas. Barbara was born on August 7, 1940 in Covington, Louisiana. She was the youngest child of Lawrence Alphonsus Brossette and Willie Elaine Goolsby Brossette. Barbara married her high school sweetheart, Gene Callens, on September 4, 1960. Barbara and Gene spent the first half of their marriage in Tullahoma, Tennessee and eventually settled in Ruston, Louisiana. They raised 10 children together.
Barbara was a devoted wife and mother. Her life was dedicated to supporting her husband and raising her children. Barbara was extremely proud of and supported all of Gene’s accomplishments. They worked as a team and had a deep devotion to one another. Barbara was an accomplished seamstress and quilter. Every grandchild has a blanket or quilt crafted by her hands. Barbara was an avid reader and one would often find a book left in the crevice of a chair she had been sitting in. She was also known for finding the best bargains. Gene used to joke that they put the entire store on sale the moment Barbara walked in the door. Barbara taught daily religious studies classes to high school youth before school for almost 15 years and influenced each teenager with her kindness and quiet demeanor.
Barbara is survived by her children: Angela Callens O’Bryant, Geno Callens, Annie Hobbs Baker, Kay Hobbs Beard, Eric Callens, Nathaniel Callens, Amy Callens Dickerson, Shannon Callens Guice and Adam Callens. She is also survived by 35 grandchildren, seven great grandchildren and by her brother Billy Brossette.
Barbara is preceded in death by her husband of 53 years, Earl Eugene Callens Jr., her son Ryan Callens and by her siblings Douglas Brossette, Arthur Brossette and Patsy Brossette Schultz.
