Barbara Nell Irby

"To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die" - Thomas Campbell 

Barbara Nell (Bell) Irby passed away December 17, 2024, at the age of 73. Barbara was born on June 19, 1951, in Shreveport, LA to the late Robert Bell Jr. and Helen Maria (Caldwell) Bell. She was baptized at an early age and graduated from Union High School. Full of love, laughter, and resilience, she touched the lives of all who knew her. Barbara had a way of making everyone feel seen and valued, leaving an imprint of warmth on every soul she encountered. Her home, while “spotless”, was always open, serving as a gathering place for family and friends with copious amounts of candy that only her grandchildren could find. 

Barbara truly knew that it was more satisfying to give than to receive. Her generosity knew no bounds. She was a loving mother, grandmother and a beautiful soul who would help anyone. Her radiant smile lit up any room she entered. Barbara not only had great faith, but she was a tenacious fighter. She was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2023 and was in complete remission at the time of her passing. 

Barbara met and married Walter Irby Sr. in Shreveport, LA in 1970. Within this union, she and her family traveled the world having lived in Germany, England, Japan, and Turkey. Barbara is the mother of two daughters and one son. She is the grandmother of four grandsons, two granddaughters, and one great grandson. 

Barbara is preceded in death by her parents, one brother, one sister, and two nieces.

She leaves to cherish her loving memories, two daughters: Angela Irby, April Royal (Melvin), one son: Walter Irby Jr. (Yvette), four grandsons: Andrew Bowman (Angel), Jorden Irby, Derrick Harris, Davion Irby, two granddaughters: Ashlyn Royal and Adrianne Wright, one great grandson: Amari Bowman, and a “surprise” blessing due in July 2025. 

She also leaves to cherish her memories, four sisters: Delores Piper, Shirley Player (Lynwood), Sandra Waddles (Arvin), Cynthia Bell, one brother: Donald Bell, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. 

We bid farewell to Barbara Nell (Bell) Irby, who walked through life with a gentle strength, touching the lives of everyone she encountered with an unforgettable grace. 

The song may have ended but the melody lingers on.