Barbara Ann Givens

Barbara Ann Givens, 74, was born on March 10, 1952, and gained her wings on September 23, 2026, to Cornelius and Willie Mae Roberson in Montgomery Parish, Louisiana. From an early age, she was bright, curious, responsible, and eager to learn. At just seven years old, she began cooking alongside her father, discovering a love for preparing meals for her family and anyone who needed a plate. She also helped her parents with their cleaning and landscaping businesses, showing a strong work ethic even as a child.

Barbara was born a soft, gentle, and kind-hearted person. Her family lived on Cane River in Montgomery Parish before moving to Houston, Texas, when she was a young child. She was selfless and devoted to caring for others, firmly believing we are here to be of service to one another. In October 2015, she demonstrated this belief in the most profound way, donating oneof her kidneys to her daughter, Raquel.

Academically, Barbara excelled. She was intelligent, hardworking, and often tutored other students. At Phillis Wheatley High School, she participated in volleyball, basketball, and track. Following school desegregation after the Civil Rights Act of 1964, she transferred to Ebbert L. Furr High School, where she graduated. Her passion for helping people led her naturally into nursing, so it was only natural for her to go into the nursing field, where she worked for over 35 years working at Memorial Healthcare and Kimberly Healthcare in Houston. She later attended college to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management. A gifted writer, she began working on a book later in life. She also operated her businesses, Quel’s Care Daycare and Incredible Juices, alongside her daughter Raquel.

As a young girl, Barbara felt drawn to the church. She often took her baby sister with her, captivated by the singing and preaching she could hear from outside. Over the years, she became a Sunday school and vacation Bible school teacher in multiple churches. As a teenager, she began speaking at church events and conferences across the country. A proud member of Houston’s Unity Missionary Baptist Church, she became a licensed minister and poured her heart into teaching, preaching, and mentoring throughout the Houston community. People frequently called on her for prayer; she was a true prayer warrior who deeply loved God.

In 1973, in Houston, Texas, Barbara married Alvin Murray Givens I, and together they had three children: Raquel Maena Jones, Alvin Murray Givens II, and Erica LaTrice Dixon. She is survived by her brother, William Roberson, and her sister, Deborah Jean Roberson. Her brother, Willie Nathaniel Roberson I, gained his wings in 2022. Her legacy continues through her grandchildren: Josiah Carrey Jones, Zyon Elias Jones, Bryce Justin Jones, Isaiah Dixon, Justin Alvin Jones, Aubrey Kai Dixon, Ashton Case Dixon, Lawrence Troyveia Mock; as well as her daughters-in-law, Conchetta Janay Richard and Brianna Lynn Jones; her sons-in-law, Turhan La’Roy Jones and Kedric Dixon; her beloved dogs Taco, Fefe, Rome, and Mansa; and a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and friends.

Barbara had a natural gift with children and an undeniable love for people. Nearly every photo shows her holding or caring for someone’s child. She was devoted to her family, especially her grandchildren, and spent her life making sure they were cared for. She constantly checked on loved ones, sending thoughtful text messages without ever holding a grudge if someone didn’t respond; she simply grew more concerned for their well-being. Known for her vivid dreams, she would often call to let you know you had appeared in one of them. She loved expressing herself with GIFs and often sent ones that were unexpectedly funny.

Her favorite scripture was Psalm 27: “The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? When the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell.”

Family and friends are invited to come together to celebrate Barbara's life, honor her memory, and share in the comfort of one another during this time of remembrance.