The Life of Barbara Cox Parker

Evangelist, Singer, Song Writer, Actress, Director, Comedian, Author, Producer, Recording Artist, Radio/TV Host, Publisher Company Owner, Educator, Wife, Mother, Sister, Daughter, Aunt, and Friend. Barbara Ann Cox Parker, the 13 th child, as she often affectionately proclaimed,
was born to Frank and Cozetta Cox in the small town of Marshall Harrison County Texas. Barbara entered the world on the cold winter of the 1st of February 1966 with a song which would warm the hearts of many. Barbara learned to sing before she learned to talk. Barbara was raised with her 15 siblings in the St. John Baptist Church community where she accepted Christ at an early age. Barbara faithfully served on the usher board and loved singing in the youth choir. As she grew, so did her voice, and she would go on to do amazing things, all in the
name of Jesus. Her true devoted worship and the love of God was renowned and radiant in her daily praise. Barbara would bless all who would come to know her with song and praise. Some of her favorite quotes/scriptures: I am the head and not the tail. God did not give you a spirit of fear, but of power, love and of sound mind. To everything there is a season and a time to every purpose under the Heavens. A time to weep and a time to laugh, A time mourn and a time to dance…

Barbara attended and graduated from Marshall High School – class of 1984. She continued her studies initially at Panola Junior College Carthage Texas under the parental guidance of her Great Aunt Alversie Fletcher. Following which, she relocated to Tyler Texas to attend the University of Texas at Tyler – where she received her bachelor's degree. Under the advice of her mother, Barbara would return to UTT to obtain her certification in education.

Barbara taught school for over 10 years, her true passion however was outside of the classroom. Her love of singing, acting, writing and traveling inspired her to become self-published. She created BC Publishing Company – where she authored and co-authored over a dozen children's books and autobiographies for people all around the country. Barbara received numerous accolades, which included being recognized by KETK, KLTV, CBS 19 and performed on the Bobby Jones show. Barbara wrote and produced 60 songs. Barbara said God would give her songs in her sleep. She would wake up to a new song in her heart and praise in her step. Barbara songs included Guardian Angel, Step by Step, Sins of My Father, TIME, Cry a River, Songs Momma Taught Me, My Fight Song, Just Because and of course, It's Gonna Be Alright. With the rise of social media, Barbara loves singing and dancing became more evident as she engaged passionately with her facebook audience. Barbara brought laughter to others as she portrayed fictional characters, often making Galen join in on her silly pranks. Barbara greatest joy was spending time with her family. So much that in the summer of 1988, at the young age of 21, Barbara's mother entrusted her with the care of her 18-year-old baby sister who wanted to follow Barbara to Tyler. Barbara readily agreed, accepted, and fulfilled her role as big sister proudly until the day she departed.

Barbara was proceeded in death by her mother: Cozetta Cox; father: Frank Cox, brother: Emmitt Cox and nephew, Kevin Frazier.

Barbara's memories will continue to live on in the heart of her devoted husband, Galen Parker; beloved daughter and son, Shardae Tucker Powell and Jerome Jones Jr. Sisters: Leuvenia (Raymond Sr) Coats of Cedar Hill, Texas. Shirl (Hayward) Truby of Houston, TX. Georgia Jones, Mary Johnson, Corena Williams, Doretha Frazier, Sonya (Vennis) Boyd and Hattie Cox, all of Marshall, Texas. Betty Clinton of Longview, Texas and Nicole Horn of Tyler, Texas. Brothers: John (Donna) Cox, Willie Cox of Marshall, TX. Franklin Cox of Dallas, TX. Billy Cox of Texarkana, TX. and Charles Cox of Longview, TX. Special niece and nephew aka her bonus daughter and son: Jonisha and John Wesley Horn III of Tyler TX. Honorary daughter: Errian Johnson of Dallas, TX. Mother-in-law: Helen Parker of Tyler TX. Sister-in-laws: Jacqueline and Ashanta Parker of Tyler, TX. Ayana Parker of Houston TX. Fur babies Princess and Oreo Parker of Tyler, TX and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

Family and friends, please take comfort in knowing Barbara is singing the songs that momma taught her in the Heavenly Choir. If you listen closely, you can still hear her sing. Sing Barbara Sing!