Barbra Vee Fitzhenry Gigout, 1933-2019

Barbra Vee Fitzhenry Gigout, of Whitehouse, Texas, went to be with Jesus on Aug. 7, at the age of 86 years.

Barbra was born in Raywood on April 29, 1933, to Arnold and Bessie Fitzhenry. She graduated from Cedar Bayou High School in Baytown and attended Lee College in Baytown, and Lamar University in Beaumont. Barbra spent the first 10 years of her career as a social worker employed by the State of Texas. Barbra worked with the Food Stamp program, Aid to Families with Dependent Children and Child Protective Services. She was instrumental in starting one of the first Head Start Programs for the State of Texas in Chambers County. In 1980, Barbra started down a new career path as part owner of the family businesses which included Accent Real Estate, Accent Insurance and Accent Investments.

Celebrating in Heaven with Barbra are her husband, Carroll Lee Gigout Sr.; her parents, Arnold and Bessie Fitzhenry; her brother, Raymond Fitzhenry; her brother-in-law, Lloyd Gigout and his wife Jackie, her brother-in-law, Andrew Gigout and his wife Robbie Gigout, and her brother-in-law, Bobby Love.

Barbra was a loving wife, mother and grandmother whose home was a place where her family and friends enjoyed good food, fun and fellowship. Her greatest treasures were her seven grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren. Barbra had a heart for missions and spent her life loving people and sharing her faith. Her encouraging attitude was an inspiration to her husband, family and friends and was a beautiful reflection of her personal relationship with God. After Carroll went to be with Jesus, she was able to fulfill her lifelong dream of working on the mission field and spent precious time in Mexico with Missionaries Paul and Kathy Cagle and their sons Darrell and Joshua.

Left to cherish her memory are her sons, Carroll Lee Gigout Jr. and his wife Wylanda; daughters, Gail Hudman and husband Mike, and Peggy Sigwald and husband Allen; grandchildren, Mike Hudman Jr. and wife Kelly, Lee Gigout III and wife Krisha, Chris Sigwald and wife Stacey, Michelle Burch and husband Cameron, Jeff Hudman and wife Kristen, Barbra Pace and husband Pat and Jim Gigout and wife April; great-grandchildren Jade Kirkland and husband Seth, Mika Boniol and husband Jacob, Paris Nichols, Devan Hudman, Lanie Hudman, Physher Elliot, Blake Gigout, Mikayla Gigout, Nate Gigout, Ashlyn Gigout, Jaylen Sigwald, Evee Sigwald, C.J. Sigwald, Tyler Burch and wife Priscilla, Eli Burch, Pace Hudman, Annie Kate Hudman, Kole Hudman, Hadley Hudman, Haley Pace, Kade Pace, Summer Gigout, Jordan Gigout and Levi Gigout; great-great-grandchildren, Liam Rowlette and Ainsley Kirkland. Also left to cherish her memory are her brother, Calvin Fitzhenry and his wife Dorothy, brother William (Bill) Fitzhenry and his wife Darlene; sister, Linda Gruver; and sister-in-law, Dorothy Love; along with numerous nephews, nieces, cousins, church family and friends.

Friends are invited to visit with the family from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 9, at Old River Assembly of God, located at 40 CR 401 in Old River-Winfree. Family and friends are invited to a celebration of Barbra's life and legacy to be held at 3 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 10, at Old River Assembly of God with Rev. Paul Cagle officiating. A graveside service and committal will immediately follow in Magnolia Park Cemetery in Dayton.

Barbra's family would like to express their appreciation for the loving end of life care she received from her caregivers Amanda Gardiner and Angel McDonald. In lieu of flowers, if friends so desire, donations can be made in Barbra's memory to As Unto Him, 901 Dogwood St., Gilmer, TX 77564.