You may have known her as Barbara Hill, Barbara Rhodes, Barbara Helms or Barbara Bonilla. Some may have even called her Barbara Jean. But the name she held most dear was Mom. Barbara passed away on Friday, Feb. 16, 2024, due to complications of cancer.  Her bat-tle with cancer was just one of many struggles that she endured throughout her life.

 Starting as a small child, Barbara was luckily adopted by a wonderful couple, Wayland and Loreen Hill. The Hills and their son, Joe, took her in and showered her with love.  In 1980, she graduated from high school in Bryan, Texas and married.  During this time, Barbara gave birth to three daughters and moved to Sulphur, La.  The 17 years of this mar-riage consisted of turmoil and strife, leaving Barbara trying to provide for three girls on her own. At times she worked three jobs just to survive. 

Once she started working as a dealer at Isle of Capri Casino, she was able to financially free herself. Then, at the age of 36, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Juggling her career, being a mom, and fighting for her life, she continued to support her family.  She spent a short time in recovery only to discover, two years later, that she had lung cancer. Surgery, rounds of chemotherapy and radiation left her weak but still alive. She watched her daugh-ters graduate and begin their lives, so she was able to find a new lease on life. She attempted to find love many more times. And although most were fleeting hopes, one became a life-long friend.  At the age of 45, she was diagnosed with stage four, brain cancer.  She was given months to live just as she was becoming a grandmother for the third time. She defied all the odds and lived for another 16 years. Her recovery was a miracle, but the cure had taken its toll. After three more cancer diagnoses, and a heroic fight for her life, Barbara took her last breath at the age of 61 in her oldest daughter’s home enjoying what she loved most, eating and watching her shows.

Though her life was hard, it is what made her who she was. In every fiber of her being she was a fighter and a survivor. She never let anyone, or anything hold her back. Every new struggle brought with it more knowledge about herself and what she was capable of. She never let her struggles stop her from enjoying life. She received her bachelor’s degree in art and was an avid writer. She excelled in her career in the casino business and became a mentor to so many. As a mom, her love was intense and unwavering.  She was strict at times but always showed that she cared. Cuddling in bed, watching I Love Lucy and Happy Days was a Saturday morning ritual. She would listen to songs on repeat until it became agony for those around her.  Convenience store hotdogs, Sonic breakfast burritos, and Casa Ole cured any ailment. Dirty Dancing, Grease, and Flashdance were a rite of passage for every member of the family. She was a loyal sports fan and a fierce advocator for women’s rights.  Many experienced challengers would warn against engaging in a political debate with her. She never passed up a chance to flirt with a good-looking man, and never hesitated to make a friend. She was strong, courageous, passionate, smart, and beyond beautiful (an attribute she would absolutely agree with). She raised her three girls to be just as unapologetically brave, opinionated, and independent.  Barbara’s life may have ended but every part of her lives on in her family.

She leaves behind her three daughters, Nicole Harrington, Tara Greer, Brittany Norwood; two sons-in-law; her two brothers, Jimmy McNeill and Robert McDowell, and six beautiful grandchildren to carry on her legacy. We ask that you join us to celebrate her life on April 20, 2024, at 6 p.m. at 3419 House Lane, Sulphur, LA 70663. Whether you are a childhood friend or a previous colleague, if she ever inspired you or impacted your life, come share your memories of this incredible woman with us.