Barbara Jean Woolsey, 90, of Portland, Texas, went home to be with her Lord on October 5, 2026. Barbara was born November 23, 1935, in Kenedy, Texas, to H.C. Cunningham and Fannie L. Bell. She graduated from H.M. King High School in Kingsville, Texas, in 1954. She went on to earn a Bachelor's Degree in Education from Texas A & I University in Kingsville and a Master's Degree in Early Childhood Development from Corpus Christi State University. Barbara married a handsome Navy man, Robert E. "Bob" Woolsey, on Thanksgiving Day, November 25, 1954.

Barbara loved teaching children. Whether it was music or the ABC's, she was an amazing teacher. She taught preschool at Northside Baptist Church in Victoria, Texas, and First Baptist Church in Portland, Texas. She went on to have a 27 year career with Gregory-Portland ISD, teaching Kindergarten at TM Clark and Stephen F. Austin Elementary schools from 1974-2001. After retiring, she worked with children preparing them for state testing. She made a difference!

Barbara's passion was serving at First Baptist Church in Portland, especially sharing her beautiful voice. She sang in the choir, sang solos, sang in Christmas programs and Easter Pageants and taught music to children every Sunday night. Barbara traveled far and wide to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ, going to communities in Texas, Colorado, Montana, and three times to Australia. She was an exceptional Bible Study teacher and prayer warrior. Her Bible knowledge was impressive and she shared it with "My Ladies" in her Sunday School class. Every Sunday, you would find her worshipping the Lord in church.

Beyond church, Barbara was an avid reader, devouring 2-3 books each week. She loved her friends and every Friday night, she could be found at Dairy Queen with her "gang" and then on to play cards or dominoes with them. On Sundays, Barbara would watch her beloved Dallas Cowboys. She cheered from Tom Landry and Roger Staubach to Dak Prescott. She also had a "thing" for Patrick Mahomes. Sunday football had to include the Kansas City Chiefs.

Barbara is preceded in death by her parents, Mr. and Mrs. H.C. Cunningham; her husband, Robert "Bob" Woolsey; brothers, H.C. "Bud" Cunningham (Connie), Wiley B. "Pete" Cunningham (Rae), and Phillip "Phil" Cunningham; sisters, Leonora "Lee" Cunningham-Hicks (Don) and Geraldine "Gerry" Cunningham-Lummus (James); son-in-law, John Hedrick; and grandson, Timothy Shea Hedrick. She is survived by her daughter, Stacy Hedrick-Pell (Roy); son, Jeff Woolsey (Metechia); brother, William "Bill" Cunningham (Joyce); sister-in-law, Jean Cunningham (Phil); grandchildren, Robbie Hedrick (Jenna), Justin Brittain (Breanna), Wesley Woolsey (Mary), and Bailey Woolsey Johnson (Tyler); great-grandchildren, Logan Flaherty, Avery Dozier, and Levi Brittain; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Special Thank You's extended to Avir Corpus Christi Villas and Altus Hospice for their compassion, constant care, and love for Barbara. Special Thank You's also to Ginger Creasy, Rick Hamilton, Sharon McClellen, and Adult 5 Ladies Sunday School class for being cherished friends who provided prayers, care, comfort, visits, time, and support to Barbara and her family.

There are not enough Thanks You's for granddaughter, Jenna Hedrick, the Executive director of Avir. She provided care beyond measure for her Nonie. From making sure Nonie had any and everything she needed to lying beside her in bed to provide comfort in difficult times, Jenna was there. Jenna continually whispered sweet words of reassurance and peace to her in her final days and hours, showing her great love for her Nonie. Thank you, Jenna!

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, November 7, 2026, at First Baptist Church in Portland, Texas; with the time to be announced. Inurnment will follow at Seaside Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Adult 5 Ladies Class Camp Fund at First Baptist Church Portland, or to Samaritan's Purse.

For those who wish to express their condolences, you are welcome to share your heartfelt condolences with the family by adding an entry on the online guest book below.

Arrangements are under the direction and personal care of the professionals at Winsteads' Funeral Home.

361-643-6564 | www.WinsteadsFuneralHome.com