CAMDEN — Barbara Givens
Barbara Mahan Givens, 69, went to her eternal home on June 6, 2018, at the Ouachita County Medical Center in Camden.
She was born in the home where her Dad was born in Holly Springs on May 11, 1949, to Reece and Atha Faye Mahan, who preceded her in death. She was their precious girl and they adored her.
Barbara was a remarkable woman who touched many lives in a positive, encouraging way. She was once married for 32 years, gave birth to two boys, who were the center of her world. For 32 years, she was a stay-at-home wife, mother, “baseball Mom” and homemaker who was very gifted in caring for her home and family. She was an excellent cook and seamstress, and an artist who loved old barns. Her sons brought her such happiness and gifted her with grandchildren who adored their “Mimi,” and she adored them right back. She loved living in her country home. She loved the quiet solitude and the sound of the wind whispering gently through the trees. And she loved her Lord.
She entered the workforce at the Ouachita County Medical Center in August of 1999, and a new phase of her life began. It was as if she had found her calling when she joined the staff of the OCMC Chemical Dependency Unit. There, she gave unconditional love, support and encouragement to those who were facing one of the most challenging times of their lives. From the outpouring of thanksgivings and expressions of love sent her way during her brief illness, she evidently ministered far beyond her own awareness.
“Never believe that a few caring people cannot change the world, for indeed that’s all who ever have.” Barbara was one of those people who truly changed her little corner of the world... one day at a time.
Left to cherish her memory are her loving sons, Mark Givens and his wife, Brandy, of El Dorado and their children Presley Givens, Baylee and Blane Jones and Jason “J” Givens and his wife, Stephanie, of Benton and their children Reece and Payne Givens; sister, Peggy Abbott and her husband, Jimmy; niece, Emily Abbott; nephew, Chris Abbott; special cousins, Wilma “Punky” Adams and Kay Howard; along with many other dear cousins.
The family is grateful to Dr. Dan Martin, the entire staff at OCMC – especially the 300 Wing nurses and staff and OCMC Hospice, and all the friends and co-workers who loved and supported her until the very end. We will never forget. “Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.”
Proctor Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at Holly Springs Baptist Church in Holly Springs, where she was a member. Officiating will be Pastor David Dillard. Burial will be at Oak Grove Cemetery following the service.
Visitation will be from 6-8 p.m. Friday at the funeral home in Camden.
Pallbearers will be Brady Baker, Richard Baker, Jamie Calhoun, Ronnie Hogg, Steve Murray, Ted Owens, Matt Wingfield and Ritchie Whitley. Honorary Pallbearers are Chris Abbott, Scooter Bounds, Matthew Calhoun, Larry Gaston, Clark Givens, Tucker Freeman, Tommy King, Glen Manning, Lance Parker, Derek Phillips, Teresa Roark, Eddie Rowland, Christina Shrestha and Clint Walker.
In lieu of flowers, consider a memorial to the Ouachita County Medical Center - CDU, Attn: Administration, P.O. Box 797, Camden, AR 71711.
To sign the online guest register, visit www.proctorfuneralhome.com.