Barbara L. Ward

Back in November of 1996, as my days as an undergrad at the University of Houston came to a close, I wrote a column for the Daily Cougar (archives aren't working right now, so no link to the actual column) thanking all the people - professors, friends and family - that made my time at the University of Houston so special. I made a point to mention one person at the College of Architecture who especially deserved recognition:

The most important person at the college, however, is not a professor. Barbara Ward, the college's secretary, is truly a second mother to all architecture students. Without her, the college would simply not function. We love you, Barbara!

Yesterday, I learned that Barbara Ward passed away in Austin last week. Her funeral was held here in Houston last Saturday.

When I say that Barbara Ward was a "second mother" to the students at the University of Houston College of Architecture, I am not exaggerating or otherwise being hagiographic. She truly loved the students in her college as if they were her own children, and she treated us as such. When we needed anything: a stamp to mail something, or help in tracking down a professor to discuss a project or assignment, or help with a job lead, or even just a sympathetic ear, she was there for us. We, as students, loved her as much as she loved us. At my graduation ceremony, when they presented the college's faculty and staff, the person who received the loudest ovation was not a professor, but rather Barbara.

Barbara Ward was a wonderful human being, and the world is a lesser place for her passing.

Thank you, Barbara. I'll miss you.

BARBARA L. WARD, loving Mother, Grandmother and Great Grandmother, was called to be with her Lord on March 11, 2009. She was a third generation Houstonian and was preceded in death by her husband George H. Ward, parents Howard and Ruth Mann, and great grandson Cameron Clanton. Barbara is survived by her daughters Linda Mader, Georganne Logue and husband Miles, and Janet Bailey and husband Lynn and cousin Nick Grivas. She was also blessed with six grandchildren, Jason Barnes, Kristy Clanton, Danyelle Khaled, Sheri Carey, Courtney Tompkins, and Kelly Sweetin. In addition, Barbara has 13 great grandchildren and another due in September. Barbara attended the University of Houston and spent 28 years working at UH with the majority of the years in the Dean's Office of the College of Architecture. Visitation will be held at 5:00 pm on Thursday March 12, 2009 at Thomason Funeral Home in San Marcos, Texas to be followed by a visitation at 6:00 pm at Forest Park Lawndale located at 6900 Lawndale in Houston, Texas on Friday, March 13, 2009. Services will be held at 1:00 pm on Saturday, March 14, 2009 at Forest Park Lawndale with burial to immediately follow the service at the same location. Pallbearers will be Miles Logue, Lynn Bailey, Jason Barnes, Greg Clanton, Mike Khaled, and Doug Carey. The family would like to extend a special thank you to Hospice of Austin for the excellent care they provided our loving Mother. Truly, Barbara has given us a legacy built on faith and family - She will be greatly missed.