Barbara Elaine Zabbia
Barbara Elaine Renfro Zabbia, our precious mother and Nana, went to be with her Lord and Savior on April 12, 2022 in Dallas, Texas.
Barbara was born in Beaumont, Texas on December 27, 1936 to Sterling Carter and Chlora (Burris) Renfro. She grew up in Beaumont and graduated from Beaumont High School in 1954, where her friends lovingly called her “Bo.” Barbara made Ennis her home in 1969 and married her loving husband, Sam Zabbia, on October 26, 1974. She has three daughters, Dolly Dickson Holt, Dana Dickson Morris, and Delaine Dickson Jester; and 2 stepsons, Carlo and Sam Zabbia.
A devoted wife, mother, “Nana,” and friend, she cherished her time with family and many special close friends. Barbara was a member of First Presbyterian Church of Ennis, and a proud member of Beta Sigma Phi, as well as the Red Hat Society. She played the piano, had a beautiful singing voice and was a talented seamstress. Family was everything to her, and she was happiest when all her children and grandchildren were crammed under one roof. Barbara was the biggest cheerleader for her family. She went to every dance recital or sporting event that every child or grandchild participated in, for as long as she was able; and her cheers could be heard above the crowd. Barbara loved geraniums, gingham and strawberries…and everything red. She made Christmas magical, and looked for any opportunity to bring the family together. She was wise and always ready with words of encouragement or advice. Her strength and courage were unmatched as she fought a nine year battle after her stroke. But her love of family, her quick wit, and her sense of humor will leave all who knew and loved her with lifelong memories of love and laughter.
Barbara is preceded in death by her husband, Sam Zabbia, her parents, her sister Eloise and her brother S.C. She is survived by her 3 daughters, Dolly Holt and husband Josh of Dallas, Dana Morris and husband Craig of Fulshear, Delaine Jester and husband Paul of Corinth, her 2 stepsons, Carlo Zabbia of Metairie, LA, and Sam Zabbia of LaPlace, LA. “Nana” is also survived by seven grandchildren, Ashlee Beeman and husband Derek, Alli Irigoyen and husband Edward, Collin Holt and wife Maegan, Kelsey Holt, Drew Jester and wife Kari, Ben Jester and Sam Jester, as well as 4 great grandchildren, Clara and Craig Beeman, Annabelle Irigoyen and Oliver Holt. She was anticipating the births of 2 more great grandchildren this year.
The family wishes to extend our heartfelt thanks to The Villages of Dallas Nursing Home and Custom Care Hospice for the compassionate and loving care they provided for Barbara and her family.
A Memorial Service honoring Barbara’s life will be held at J. E. Keever Mortuary, Inc. in Ennis on Saturday, June 18, 2022 at 10 a.m.
In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to the Ennis Public Library (scroll down to Memorial Policy).
