Jackie Ruth Barry

Jackie Ruth Coffee Barry, 79, died early on Saturday, Dec. 5, 2020, surrounded by family. Jackie was born in Loraine, Texas, Aug. 23, 1941, to Samuel Jackson and Winnie Iona Coffee. She married Thomas Patrick Barry III on June 6, 1970, at her family home in Loraine. After their wedding, Tom, Jackie, and their son Jim made their home in Austin for the past 50 years. Jackie attended the then Abilene Christian College and graduated from Draughn’s Business School as a court reporter. She enjoyed her career as a legal secretary and was blessed to work for her long-time boss and cherished friend, attorney Bob Roberts, for more than 30 years. She was most proud of her son, Jim. Jackie was preceded in death by her parents, Jack and Winnie Coffee, and Tom’s parents, Thomas Patrick Barry Jr., and Emily Dulaney Barry. She is survived by her husband, Tom, her constant companion, champion and caretaker during her battle with ALS; her son Jim and his fiancée Kerri Curcoe of Buda; granddaughter Bonnie and husband Cody Rouquette of Dripping Springs; great-grandson Otis Samuel Rouquette and her great-granddaughter Winnie Bea Rouquette, born in July, for whom she had been waiting to meet and enjoy; sister Nancy and husband Gary Vannoy of Abilene, niece Whitney and husband Brandon Mascorro and their children Mac, Cooper, Reese and Drew of Abilene; and niece JoLynn and husband Shea Posey and their children Jackson and Camden of San Antonio; and her uncle Gaylord McCollum, as well as many cousins and special friends. Jackie’s family remembers her as quick to take charge and take care of her loved ones. All who knew and loved her are inspired by the courage and joy with which she faced ALS. The family would like to thank everyone who has walked this journey with them through Jackie’s devastating illness. Special thanks go to Dr. Carlayne Jackson and staff of UT Health San Antonio; the ALS Association of Texas and its staff, particularly Michelle Miller and Jennifer Beckett; Paragon Infusion and staff, Texas Home Health hospice care and its nurses and home health aides, and everyone associated with Jackie’s River Rats in fund-raising efforts to find a cure for ALS. https://fundraising.alstexas.org/jackie-barry Memorials may be made in Jackie’s name to the non-profit ALS Association Texas Chapter https://www.alstexas.org/donate/ . Due to COVID restrictions, a memorial will be held at a later date. Please remember the life and light of Jackie with your thoughts and prayers.

Jackie Ruth Barry

August 23, 1941 - December 5, 2020