Barbara Joyce Bransford

Barbara Joyce Bransford passed away on Sunday, November 3, 2024, in New Braunfels, Texas. She was 85.

Born on January 21, 1939, in Portland, Oregon, and raised in Oregon and Alaska, Barbara was the daughter of the late Loyd Bransford and the late Joyce Williams Bransford.

Left behind is her beloved daughter, Margaret (Meg) Warring Hinkle (husband Frank). She is also survived by her sister Christie, her brother Philip, and their families.

Barbara received her BA in English Literature from the University of Oregon and her Master of Social Work from Portland State University. She loved learning and continued to take classes throughout her life, including German and Spanish language classes.

Barbara was a California Licensed Clinical Social Worker and held positions in Washington, Oregon, and California as well as in Europe, where she worked as a civilian for the U.S. Army.

While living in Long Beach California, Barbara dedicated herself to civic engagement. She volunteered her time in support of the unhoused and those in substance use rehabilitation and was a member of the Long Beach League of Women Voters.

Barbara loved listening to and playing music, reading books, watching movies, and walking her rescue dogs. She was a member of the Catholic Church and was last a parishioner at St. Matthew’s Catholic Church in Long Beach.

“When Barbara was a little girl, she wanted to fly. She prayed and concentrated and dreamed, just to be able to fly. Now she has realized her wish and flown away up into the blue yonder, in awe and expectation of the new worlds and new knowledge she will obtain. For Barbara’s spirit was always on the new, the unknown, the future.”

A Celebration of Life for Barbara will be held in California or Oregon at a future date, with a small gathering of close family and friends.
In lieu of customary remembrances, the family asks that those who wish to honor Barbara consider donating to or volunteering for a charity of their choice.