Mrs. Barbara Ann Gaumer's Obituary
Barbara Ann Headley Gaumer passed away peacefully on Friday, September 1, 2023 in Allen, Texas. She was preceded in death in 2020 by her beloved husband of 63 years Thomas Warren Gaumer. She is survived by her daughter Victoria Corcoran Zeitz and husband William Zeitz; her son Alex Gaumer and his wife Lupita Tovar Gaumer; and her two grandsons Jack Corcoran and Tristan Gaumer. Born in Parkersburg, WV to Augusta and Robert Headley in 1936, Barbara lived to be 87 years old.
Growing up between Florida and West Virginia, Barbara was especially close to her cousin Dr. Norma Doan; the two were like sisters all their lives. Graduating High School in Vero Beach, Florida, Barbara went on to attend Florida Christian College. It was here she met a handsome young man from Cleveland, Ohio, with ambitions to be a minister, Tom Gaumer. After graduating FCC with an Associate’s Degree, she and Tom were married in 1956.
As the wife of a preacher, she played a critical role as his partner in service, leading by example and befriending members young and old at the congregations they served: Superior Avenue Church of Christ (Cleveland, OH); North End Church of Christ (Parkersburg, WV); Northwest Church of Christ (Fort Worth, TX), Preston Road Church of Christ (Dallas, TX); Westside Church of Christ (McKinney, TX), and Farmersville Church of Christ (Farmersville, TX).
Professionally she excelled as an Executive Assistant in a variety of industries, consistently praised for her accuracy, lightning-fast typing, attention to detail and outstanding disposition.
With a genuine smile, child-like enthusiasm and easy laughter, Barbara loved people and never met a stranger. She loved a good joke, a good sale, her cats and every form of chocolate. She eagerly and frequently welcomed church members and friends into the family home, hosting numerous gatherings for birthdays, anniversaries, game nights, devotionals and more.
She was a devoted and utterly supportive wife to Tom, a dedicated mother to Vicki and Alex, and doting grandmother to Jack and Tristan. More than anything else she will be remembered for her genuine cheerfulness and brilliant smile. Her faith in the Lord was the center of her life. His friends and family celebrate her arrival in Heaven as one of God’s most loving servants.
Services for Barbara Gaumer will be held on Saturday September 23, beginning with visitation at 10am, funeral service at 11am at the church of Christ at McDermott Road, 3600 McDermott Road, Plano, TX. A lunch reception will follow the service at the church. A brief graveside service begins at 2pm at Restland Cemetery, 13005 Greenville Ave., Dallas, TX. Flowers may be sent to Restland; in lieu of flowers, gifts to the church of Christ at McDermott Road will be gratefully accepted.
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