Barbara Ann Triplett Reid

Barbara (also known as Baboo) was born on September 19, 1931 in Brooksville, MS, the third and youngest child of Howard H. Triplett, Sr. and Doris Harper Triplett. They moved to Louisville, MS when she was 4 and it is there that she grew up. She graduated valedictorian from Louisville High School in 1949 and went on to college at MSCW (Mississippi State College for Women, which is now known as MUW, Mississippi University for Women). where she majored in piano performance and graduated Summa Cum Laude. She married childhood friend, Richard “Bunky” Reid, in 1955 and they moved to Nacogdoches, Texas in 1958 with two daughters Leslie (age 2) and Kathy (age 1). They had a third daughter (Libba), the only family member born in Texas. Barbara received a Master of Arts degree in Music Education from Stephen F. Austin State University in 1970. She taught high school choir for many years, earning annual sweepstakes awards at UIL with her choirs. Her leadership set a standard of musical rigor and artistry that influenced many of her students to pursue careers in music carrying forward the standard she set.

Barbara also played the organ at the First Baptist Church for many years. After “retiring” from First Baptist in 1982, she became the Choirmaster at Christ Episcopal Church in Nacogdoches just some months later. After all three girls graduated from college, Barbara moved to Germany to teach with the Department of Defense Dependents Schools where she taught middle school music in Crailsheim and Schwabisch Hall for 6 years. During the six years she lived in Germany, it was her pleasure to travel extensively. Paris was one of her favorite cities. After retiring from teaching, she had the joy of playing organs in many English churches and cathedrals, as well as in Paris at Notre Dame de Paris—her favorite organ of all. Germany and Scotland have also been part of her travels for playing many organs.

She returned to Texas in 1990, after the birth of her first grandchild, Ben, and went to work for the Mesquite school district, teaching music. She met Durel Reid at Sunday School at Park Cities Baptist Church and they married in 1993. Durel moved into her house and she didn’t have to even change her driver’s license since they already shared the same last name!

Barbara and Durel were active members of Park Cities Baptist church, playing the piano and leading the singing for their Sunday school class. Floyd’s Faithfuls, for many years. She was an active member of the Music Study Club, the Daughters of the American Revolution, the Browning Club and the Matheon Club.

Barbara was predeceased by both of her husbands, her mother and father, sister Doris Elaine Boydstun and her husband M.O. Boydstun, brother Howard H. (Buddy) Triplett, Jr. and his wife Mary Triplett, and nephew Philip R. Boydstun. She is survived by her three daughters Leslie Reid Hudson (John Link), Kathy Reid O’Keeffe (Bill) and Elizabeth Reid Zak, 5 grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews, and many cousins.

She leaves a legacy of inspiring musicians and lifting voices together in song. She will be missed terribly.