Barbara Gayle Thornton Holz

Barbara Gayle Thornton Holz, 87, of Lone Star, Texas, passed away on July 9, 2026.

Barbara was born on November 28, 1938, in Dallas County, Texas, to George Wilson Thornton and Thelma Irene Thornton.

Barbara formerly lived in Chicago, Illinois, where she raised her two children, George Brett and Paula Joanne. She was a businesswoman in the field of real estate and was also an entrepreneur. She had many talents and found great joy in using those talents to help others. Helping others was one of the greatest joys of her life. She was a member of Lockwood Assembly of God Church in Dallas, Texas.

Barbara had a special love for her dogs. She believed they understood her better than anyone else. She lovingly named each one and considered them cherished members of her family.

Barbara is survived by her son, George Brett Rankin and his wife, Tammy, of Foreman, Arkansas; her granddaughter, Jessica DeWitt of Nacogdoches, Texas; her grandson, Callen Jax DeWitt; her sister, Margaret “Ann” Byrne of Garland, Texas; her nieces, Rhonda Gayle Yarborough and Dixie Darlene Furlong of Kaufman County, Texas; and her nephews, Cleburn W. “Mark” Wrister of Terrell, Texas, Anthony Richard Byrne, and Jonathan A. Byrne of Dallas County, Texas.

Cremation arrangements have been entrusted to Horn Family Funeral Home.