Barbara Anne Gibbens

Barbara Anne Gibbens, 84, of Walnut Ridge, died on Friday, July 3, 2026, at her residence. She was born on September 22, 1941, in Dyess, Arkansas. Barbara grew up in Stone County, Arkansas, and graduated from Pleasant Grove High School. Later she graduated from the Williams Baptist University, the University of Central Arkansas, and Arkansas State University. She was a dedicated educator for thirty-two years. She was also a long-time member of First Baptist Church in Walnut Ridge.

She enjoyed teaching, gardening, cooking and entertaining. She and her husband, Jerry, led chartered bus tours for 30 years, visiting all 48 states and all 10 Canadian provinces. The couple also led eight European tours and a tour of New Zealand and Australia. They also visited Alaska and took their children and grandchildren to Hawaii for their 50th wedding anniversary and again for their 55th.

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, Calvin and Alta (Kemp) Mitchell; and her sister, Peggy Rutherford.

She is survived by her husband of 63 years, Dr. Jerry Gibbens of Walnut Ridge; daughters, Julie Gibbens (Jen) of Fayetteville, and Sarah Glenn (Ron) of Mountain Home; sister, Sharon Rodgers of Springdale; grandchildren, Kelton Andrew Glenn, Avery Lenox Gibbens and Victoria Dale Glenn; one great-granddaughter, Clara Cove Glenn; nephews and nieces, Bruce Rutherford, Mitchell Rutherford, Brenda Minor, and Michelle Unzelman.

Visitation will be Saturday, July 11, 2026, from 11 A.M. – 12 P.M. in Manley Chapel at Williams Baptist University in Walnut Ridge with a memorial service immediately following at 12 P.M. Dr. Brett Cooper and Dr. Chris Thompson will officiate. Interment will be in Mt. Zion Cemetery in Walnut Ridge.

In lieu of flowers, family requests memorials be made to Mt. Zion Cemetery, 306 Eastwood Circle, Walnut Ridge, Arkansas, or Williams Baptist University, 56 Mc Lellan Drive, Walnut Ridge, Arkansas, 72476.