
Barbara J. Peters, age 81, peacefully passed away on December 30, 2024, at her home.
Barbara was born on March 15, 1943 in St. Louis Missouri, to George W. Kelley and Alice (Magill) Kelley. She attended and graduated from Annandale High School.
A dedicated professional, Barbara spent over 30 years as a secretary in the Surgical Department at Hillcrest Baptist Medical Center, where she developed deep connections with her colleagues and cherished her work.
An active member of the MCC Church for many years, Barbara’s faith and community were important parts of her life. She had a profound love for her family and eagerly anticipated gatherings, where laughter and love filled the air. In the spring, she found joy in nurturing her flower beds, turning her garden into a vibrant landscape.
Barbara’s heart extended beyond her family; she adored her pets and welcomed any strays that sought refuge on her porch. With a warm bed and a snack always ready, she provided comfort to all the animals that entered her life.
Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, Lt. Col. George W. Kelley and Alice Kelley, as well as her great-granddaughter, Teresa-Ann Dooley.
Barbara is survived by her spouse of over 29 years, Patricia L. Dixon; her brother, Russell Kelley and wife Beverly of Florida; son, Ron Peters and wife Paula of China Spring; daughter, Catherine Castanon of Hewitt; and daughter, Christi Hulme and husband Brett of Georgia. She is also remembered fondly by her five grandchildren, Cody Lankford and wife Brittney, Brittney Dooley and husband Chris, Alan Harvey, Trent and wife Katie, and Annah and husband Brett, along with four great-grandchildren, with another on the way.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to Fuzzy Friends of Waco or an animal shelter of your choice, honoring Barbara’s love for animals and her compassionate spirit.

My deepest condolences to Barbara‘s family and her many Friends..
Barbara was such a wonderful person .
I know she will be missed.
Prayers of peace and comfort..
I worked 25 years with Barbara at Hillcrest surgery
Department.She tried to keep us all in line everyday.
She was cool under pressure as surgeons are not the
Easiest to get along with . She was a sweet person.
God bless her family and prayers for them.
Hello Connie , mom talked about you often always with a smile and yes, how she tried to keep you all in line. She missed you all after retirement. Thank you for your kind words Cathy
Prayers and thoughts to her family she was a true friend to have I will miss here God bless her Family
My condolences and hugs go out to all her family. I saw the love first hand that she gave to her children and grandchildren and great grandchildren and of course all her pets. You will be missed by all.
I knew Barbara since 1983 when I worked at Hillcrest, she was great at keeping up with the schedule. I was in awe at the way she was able to juggle the procedures, times and rooms. Over the years we became great friends, when I saw the post of her passing I was shocked. We have had some good memories. My prayers are with her family during this time of sorrow. I pray for peace and comfort for you.