Barbara Hope Billington

Barbara Hope Billington

December 16, 1928 - November 17, 2022

Barbara Hope Billington passed away peacefully on November 17, 2022. In less than a month, she would have celebrated her 94th birthday.

Barbara was born on December 16, 1928, in Garfield, Arkansas, to Verda Webster and V.V. "Dick" Webster. She spent her young years in Arkansas and Louisiana before her family moved to Bakersfield, Long Beach, and then back to Bakersfield following World War II.

Barbara attended Long Beach Polytechnic High School and excelled in everything she touched, especially Theatre Arts. She was the star of her class and recognized as being the most talented. That talent would be exhibited in many ways throughout her life.

Barbara was a Christian and a lifetime member of the Church of Christ. She was blessed with genuine friendships, a family that adored her, and marriages filled with love. Her care and commitment touched and inspired all who knew and loved her. Barbara married Glen Cook in 1949. Their wonderful marriage lasted until Glen's passing in 1962. They had two children, Richard Webster Cook and Joy Cook Tolladay. Years later, Barbara married Wilburn "Babe" Billington and celebrated 52 glorious years of marriage until his passing in 2017. It would be safe to say that Glen and Babe married the love of their lives. Two very fortunate men!

Barbara treasured the years spent raising her family. She cherished being a Mom, Grandma (Gramme), and Great Grandma, and everyone benefited from her talents and innate wisdom. She was never short of opinions, but with a moral compass always pointing in the right direction, she has raised multiple generations to love life and God.

A Sunday school teacher for years, a several times PTA president, a volunteer for the Charity League (Bargain Box), a recipient of the George Washington Freedom Foundation Gold Medal, a past Vice President of the Associated Women of Pepperdine...her contributions to her community were endless. A longtime family friend remembers "her patience, and generosity of time and attention-she was always present and excited for other people's successes, a wonderful, loyal friend."

At the age of 80, Barbara began painting with watercolors. She became a phenom. She was painting hundreds of pictures and having her one-woman show. Her paintings are displayed in art-loving homes around the U.S. and abroad.

Her passion for life and all it had to give never diminished. She was a very special lady who loved every day with her family and friends. No regrets.

Barbara is survived by her son, Richard Cook, and daughter-in-law Bonnie Cook; four grandchildren- Richard and Bonnie's children, Elizabeth and Roxanne; Joy Cook Tolladay's children, Alison and Andrea; and two great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her parents, Verda and V.V. Webster, two husbands, Glen Cook and Babe Billington, and her daughter Joy Cook Tolladay.

A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, January 14 at 10 am at Hodel's, 5917 Knudsen Drive, Bakersfield, Ca. 93308

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Oildale Church of Christ, 2912 North Chester Ave., Bakersfield, Ca. 93308