Barbara Jean Frey

Barbara Jean Frey, affectionately known as G-Ma, peacefully passed away on October 30, 2023, at the age of 85 in Bryan, Texas. She was born on April 5, 1938, in Glen Ridge, New Jersey, to Sidney and Helen Clark.

Barbara was a devoted wife to her late husband, Bill Frey, for 38 years. She was a loving mother to her children: Kerry Frey and his wife, Carol; Patrick Frey and his wife, Christi; Marianne Goen and her husband, Paul; Susan Myers and her husband, Johnny; and Holly Yates and her husband, Chris. Barbara also held a special place in her heart for her 13 grandchildren: Amber Marks, Corey Frey, Lauren Frey, Matthew Frey, Andrew Goen, Ellie Goen, Sydney Goen, John Michael Myers, Justus Myers, Julia Yates, Ryan Yates, Caroline Yates, and Harper Yates. Additionally, she was blessed with two great-grandchildren, Davin and Coen Frey. Barbara shared a close bond with her brothers, Peter Clark and his wife, Jean, and Jim Clark and his wife, Carol, as well as numerous extended family members and friends.

Barbara’s educational journey began at Paul D. Schreiber High School in Port Washington, New York. She then pursued her undergraduate studies at Cornell University, ultimately obtaining her Masters and PhD from Texas Woman’s University. Throughout her career, Barbara made significant contributions as a Book Editor/Copy Editor for Thomas Y. Crowell Publishers in New York, New York. Later, she found fulfillment as a special education teacher for Fort Worth ISD, dedicating 23 years of her life to Jo Kelly School. She also devoted many years to assisting her husband with his CPA business while simultaneously caring for four of her children and often running a daycare. The sacrifices she made to be present with her children will forever be cherished by them.
Barbara sought friendship and community in her places of worship, regularly attending Trinity Episcopal and Holy Apostles Episcopal in Fort Worth, Texas.

Beyond her professional pursuits, Barbara had a passion for various hobbies. She relished long walks, cherished family game nights, and immersed herself in the world of literature. Barbara’s creativity shone through in the imaginative cakes she lovingly crafted for her children. She also found joy in knitting, bridge, and attending opera performances. Barbara approached life with a genuine zest, treasuring every opportunity to meet new people.

The memorial service for Barbara will be conducted by Holy Apostles Church in Fort Worth, Texas on Saturday, November 18th, at 1:00pm. Her loved ones will gather to celebrate her life and bid her a heartfelt farewell. There will also be a Come-and-Go Celebration of Life on Sunday, November 19th from Noon to 3pm at 4417 Leonard Rd, Bryan, TX 77807.

Her family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to the remarkable staff and caregivers at Legacy Nursing and Rehabilitation of Bryan. The extraordinary love and attention she received were truly exceptional, and many of the staff members treated her like one of their own.  Barbara Jean Frey will be profoundly missed by her family, friends, and all whose lives she touched. Her legacy of love, dedication, and kindness will forever be etched in our hearts.

In lieu of flowers, and because Barbara was passionate about education and helping those with learning differences, donations can be made to:

Renner Academy https://renneracademy.org/online-giving/

or

Brazos Christian School https://www.bcseagles.org/giving/?form=growthfund.