July 24, 1939 — Oct. 18, 2019
Beloved wife, mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, daughter, sister, friend — Barbara was all of those and more.
She courageously fought colon cancer for more than a year. Surrounded by her loved ones in her final days, Barbara went home to Jesus on Oct. 18, 2019.
She was a bright light in the world, offering kindness or a smile to all she met. Forever the teacher, she also loved to educate others.
Born in Crawfordsville, Indiana, Barbara graduated from Crawfordsville High School and Butler University with a Bachelor of Science degree in education. She became an art teacher at Washington Elementary School after graduation.
Barbara met Jack Means while playing bridge with friends. His dimples and charm made her melt. They were married on March 6, 1965. Barbara and Jack held hands from the beginning to the end. He called her Sweetheart, Red (for her red hair), Honey and Barbie.
The couple moved to Indianapolis, Indiana, where they began their family. Barbara loved being a mother. She and Jack had two children, a son, J.R. Means III and a daughter, Laura.
The Means family moved to Paso Robles in 1974, where both of her children graduated from Paso Robles High School. Barbara was very involved and was the PTA President. She was also President of the AAUW. Barbara and Jack moved to Newport Beach in 1984.
Education was very important to Barbara and she was thrilled that both of her children graduated from Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo.
Throughout her life, family was first with Barbara. She welcomed her daughter-in-law, Julie and her son-in-law with open arms. She was overjoyed when she became a grandmother and found true joy in her four grandchildren, including Josh and Jess Means.
Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, Philip and Thelma Dickerson, and her brother, Bill Dickerson.
A Celebration of Life for Barbara Means will be held at Mariners Church Chapel on Saturday, Nov. 9 at 1 p.m., followed by a reception in the Upper Room at Mariners after the service.
Mariners Church is located at 5001 Newport Coast Dr., Irvine, CA 92603. Phone: 949-769-8100.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Barbara’s name to American Cancer Society, Orange County Chapter, 17310 Red Hill Ave, Suite 300, Irvine, CA 92614, online: donate3.cancer.org; or to Sherman Library and Gardens, 2647 East Coast Highway, Corona del Mar, CA 92625, online: slgardens.org/make-a-donation.
