Barbara Jean Hayes Echols was born on August 1, 1942 to Granville "Snowbank" Hayes and Juanita Robins Hayes. Barbara graduated from Scotlandville High School in 1961 and continued her education at Capitol Area Vocational School. Barbara enjoyed an incredible career at Southern University, working as a secretary for 38 years from 1963-2001 in the Physical Education, Recreation and Dance department. Barbara would retire from the University with excellent work recognitions for her dedicated service. It was on Southern University's campus that Barbara met and later married her husband of 52 years, Richard Evans Echols on May 28, 1966. To this union, God blessed them with two children, Roderick Evans Echols and Melanie Michelle Echols. Barbara accepted Christ as her Savior and she was baptized at North 32nd Street Church of Christ. Barbara and Richard later attended Hollywood Church of Christ, where they remained active until they moved to Texarkana, Texas with their son. Over the years of their marriage, Barbara and Richard enjoyed buying and restoring rental properties. She also enjoyed traveling to visit her children and grandchildren through all of their academic and sporting pursuits and life events. She was preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Dorothy Mae Brown. Cherishing her memory are her husband Dr. Richard Evans Echols of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, one son, Dr. Roderick Evans Echols (Andrea) of Texarkana, Texas, one daughter, Dr. Melanie Echols-Herron (Isaiah) of Smyrna, Georgia; three sisters, Ms. Liz Hayes-Roberson and Mrs. Caroline Stone (Thomas) of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Ms. Diane Hayes-Williams of New Orleans, Louisiana; three grandchildren, Roland Evans and Aislyn Barbara Echols of Texarkana, Texas and Madelyn Michelle Herron of Smyrna, Georgia; Brother-in-laws, Mr. Jimmy Echols (Gloria) of Afton, Minnesota and Dr. Ben Echols (Debra) of Houston, Texas; and sister-in-law, Mrs. Loretta Noland (Carl)of Tuscaloosa, Alabama and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Barbara Echols, please visit our floral store.