Barbara Jo Gray Bartholomew, passed away on March 26, 2017 in Houston, Texas. She was born on December 31, 1935 in Uvalde, Texas and was the oldest child of James Terry and Oudia Mary Valliant Gray.

Barbara graduated from the University of Texas with highest honors in 1957 and received her Ph.D. in English literature from Tulane University in 1962.

She deeply enjoyed her academic career at the University of Houston-Downtown and was awarded the rank of Professor Emerita after her retirement in 2001. Equally, she relished a Rice University based project serving as co-associate editor of The Journal of Thomas Moore.

In 1962 she married the love of her life, O.C. Bart Bartholomew. Their children, Andrea Ann and Jessica Lee, were born in 1964 and 1968 respectively. Throughout her life, her passion and deepest love were for her family and her greatest pride was in them, their soaring spirits and accomplishments.

Survived by Bart Bartholomew, daughters Andrea Ann Finch and Jessica Lee Scheller, grandchildren Emma Ruth Scheller and Nathan Bartholomew Scheller, brother James Terry Gray Jr. and sister-in-law Norma Carol Hultquist Gray, and sister-in-law Catherine Wilder Nohara. She also leaves numerous beloved nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life will be held on Wednesday, March 29, 2017 at Bradshaw Carter, 1734 W Alabama Street, Houston, TX from six until eight o'clock in the evening. A private service will be held on Thursday, March 30, 2017 for family and members of First Christian Church with interment at the Gray family cemetery in Cherokee, Texas. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor Barbara may make donations to the charity of their choice.

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