Barbara Jean Maniates Hargis was born on June 18th, 1945, in Lynchburg, Virginia, and went to meet her Lord and Savior on Friday, May 29th, 2026, in Shreveport, Louisiana, after valiantly fighting cardiac disease.

She was preceded in death by her parents, George and Rachel Maniates, brother, George “Pete” Maniates, sister, Shirley Ann Burr (and her husband, Therman); and Barbara’s husband, Richard Butch Hargis. Left to honor and cherish her memory is three children, ten grandchildren, and nineteen great-grandchildren: children being Virginia Ann Mitchell, Paul Everett Mitchell, Jr. (and his wife, Ashley), and Margaret Jeanette River (and her husband Roger); grandchildren being Sharla Morse (and her husband, Justin, and their two children Autumn and Andrew), Chad Mitchell, Jessica Culbertson (and her husband, Jesse), Nicholas Mitchell, Jacob Mitchell (and his wife Laura), Joshua Durrett, Hannah Mitchell, Olivia Mitchell, William Mitchell, and Hunter Mitchell. Barbara also leaves her nieces: Vicky Karasek (and her husband, David), Patty Watts (and her husband, Doug), Dianna Sirman, and Peggy Magill (and her husband, Phillip). Barbara, beloved by all who knew her, also leaves her lifelong best friend Judy Martinez.

Barbara lived a vibrant life, full of so much joy. She loved her church family at Baron Road Baptist Church and worshipped the Lord with her every breath. She was an avid reader, listener of music, and follower of football. She adored to travel, often traveling with family, Judy, and the Cardinal Club. Most of all, Barbara treasured time with family and friends, playing games, cooking her loved one’s favorite food, and making everyone around her laugh. Her memorial service will be held at Baron Road Baptist Church on Saturday, June 20th at 6:00 p.m.