Barbara Gayle Longbotham

Barbara Gayle Longbotham, beloved wife, mother, educator, and musician, passed away on May 24, 2025, in Dallas.

Born on Christmas Day in 1938 in Utopia, Texas, to Ernest and Cleo Smith, Barbara came into the world with the gift of music and a heart full of kindness. She carried those gifts with her throughout her life, touching countless people along the way. After earning her degree in music from Southwest Texas State University in 1961, she began her teaching career in Monahans, where she nurtured young minds at Tatom Elementary.

On June 14, 1968, Barbara married Dr. Tommy Longbotham, and together they built a life centered around love, family, and community. In 1971, she paused her teaching career to devote herself to raising their children, Catherine and Trey. Her home was filled with laughter, learning, and, of course, music.

After a decade dedicated to her family, Barbara returned to the classroom, bringing her patience and compassion to special education students at Walker Jr. High before returning to Tatom Elementary. She retired in 2003, leaving behind a legacy of heartfelt dedication and unwavering support for her students.

Music was the thread that wove throughout Barbara's life. Whether singing in the choir at First Baptist Church Monahans or playing her beloved piano, music brought her joy and comfort. Another constant in her life was her deep love for animals. From childhood pets to beloved companions in her later years, Barbara always had room in her heart for a furry friend.

In 2012, Barbara and Tommy moved to Dallas to be closer to family, though she always considered Monahans home.

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, Ernest and Cleo Smith, her brother, Robert, and her husband, Tommy. She is survived by her daughter, Catherine Longbotham of Little Rock, her son, Trey Longbotham and his wife, Becky, of Richardson, her beloved cousin who was more like a sister, Ivie Vernor of Camp Wood, her sisters-in-law, Dorothy Morris of Dallas and Jaylie Beckenhauer of Fort Worth, and many other cousins, nieces, and nephews.

A visitation will be held Thursday evening at Harkey Funeral Home from 5:00 to 7:00 PM, where family and friends can gather to share memories and honor Barbara's life. The funeral service will take place Friday morning May 30th at 10:00 AM at First Baptist Church Monahans, officiated by Jeppie Wilson, with burial to follow at Monahans Memorial Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Save the Music Foundation (https://www.savethemusic.org), Operation Kindness (https://www.operationkindness.org), or The American Cancer Society (https://www.cancer.org) in her honor, reflecting her lifelong dedication to these organizations.