Nell Buice Barton

ARLINGTON -- Bess Wynell "Nell" Buice Barton, 90, passed away Wednesday, May 27, 2015, in Arlington. Memorial service: 10 a.m. Saturday at St. John the Apostle United Methodist Church in Arlington. Interment will follow at 3 p.m. in Spring Creek Cemetery in Meridian. Visitation: 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at Wade Funeral Home in Arlington. Pallbearers are Richard Barton, Tiff Barton, Donnie Buice, Lou Buice, Ronnie Buice and Neil Gibson. Memorials: Donations in her honor may be made to the Alzheimer's Association or Community Hospice of Texas. Nell was born in Waco on Feb. 22, 1925, to Louie Ewing and Joe Henry Buice. Raised in Speegleville, she graduated from Waco High School before attending Southwestern University and Baylor University. During her time at Southwestern, Nell enjoyed her position as an all-star basketball player. She met the love of her life, Larry Linus Barton, on a blind date. Nell and Larry were married Dec. 21, 1947, and they remained together for 49 years, until his death in 1996. Nell and Larry raised four children together, and Nell bestowed her independent spirit and encouraging attitude to the entire family. She took on the role of mother with dedication and love. Nell worked countless hours supporting her children with their many activities, including work on the PTA and as a Cub Scout den mother. She maintained her strong faith through her involvement with her Sunday school classes and the United Methodist Women of St. John UMC in Waco. Nell offered her warm smile and caring approach to countless others through her work as a school secretary. She served in numerous capacities on the Waco Education Secretary Association Board culminating in being the president. To family and friends, Nell became known as "Queen Bee." She was immensely proud of her entire family, and we are blessed to have received her fierce loyalty and steadfast love. Nell had a wonderful sense of humor, and she continued to make us laugh each time we were with her. We love you, Nell, Mom, Grandmother - the next gin and tonic is for you. Nell was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Larry Linus Barton; her son, Jon Kevin Barton; her siblings, Mildred Johnson, Calvin Buice, Joe Carl Buice, Lawrence Buice and Laura Jean Stafford. Survivors: Nell is survived by her children, Joe Linus Barton, Louie J. Barton and wife, Judy, Elizabeth Jan Barton Gerro and husband, Mike; daughter-in-law, Jennifer Barton Wynne and husband, J.D.; her cousin, Bobby Plemons; 11 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; four sisters-in-law; and many beloved cousins, nieces and nephews. Wade Family Funeral Home Arlington, 817-274-9233