Community Mourns the Passing of Barbara Ann Meyer at 78

Barbara Ann Meyer, aged 78, of Forney, Texas, passed away on January 3, 2026. Her death marks the loss of a beloved member of the community known for her dedication to family and service.

Born on October 22, 1947, to Jimmie Peter Mikulenka and Mildred Agnes (Samora) Mikulenka, Barbara was a proud graduate of St. Joseph High School, Class of 1965. She furthered her education at Baldwin Business School before embarking on a career that spanned several decades.

Career and Family Life

Barbara began her professional journey with the DeWitt County Health and Human Services department. She later transferred to the Victoria County Social Security Office, where she excelled as a Claims Specialist. After her marriage to Carl Meyer in August 1972, she continued her work in Houston as a Claims Specialist until she became a devoted mother to her daughter, Stephanie, and son, Kevin.

Following a family move to the Dallas area, Barbara took on a new role as an Administrative Assistant in the Criminal Investigation Department of the Internal Revenue Service. In her later years, she served as the secretary for Greenland Hills United Methodist Church in Dallas until her retirement. After retiring, Barbara embraced her role as a grandmother, affectionately known as Nana to her two grandchildren, Owen and Zeke, whom she helped care for.

Legacy and Memorial Services

Barbara’s life was characterized by her commitment to family, friends, and community. She enjoyed vacations at the beach and cherished the time spent with her loved ones. Her greatest joy came from being a devoted mother and grandmother.

She is survived by her daughter, Stephanie Whisenant (Adam) of Forney; her brother, Jimmie Don (Verlene); her sister, Gayle Parenica (Ronnie) of Victoria; her sister-in-law, Bernice Mikulenka; and her grandchildren, Owen and Zeke Whisenant. Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, her son, Kevin Meyer, her former husband, Carl Meyer, and her brother, Kenneth Mikulenka.

Visitation will take place on January 8, 2026, at 6:30 p.m., followed by a Rosary at 7:15 p.m. at Thiele-Cooper Funeral Home. The Funeral Mass is scheduled for January 9, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Yoakum, with Rev. Matthew Huehlefeld officiating. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Yoakum.

Pallbearers for the service include Adam Whisenant, Owen Whisenant, Zeke Whisenant, Ronnie Parenica, Wesley Mikulenka, and Tyler Paschal.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Joseph Catholic School or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Arrangements are being handled by Thiele-Cooper Funeral Home, which can be reached at 361-293-5656.