10/10/2026
Barbara Dianne Sapp was born to James Normis and Lolette Balkcom in Carthage Texas on February 23, 1957 and passed on to be with her Lord on October 7, 2026 at the age of 69.
She is survived by:
Husband of 47 years, Allen Sapp of Huntsville, Texas
Daughters:
Kimberly and husband Sheldon Machinsky of Huntsville
Kelsey and husband Peter Carbone of North Haven, Connecticut
Granddaughter, Kinslee Machinsky of Huntsville
Brother, Roger and wife Kay Balkcom of Joaquin, Texas
Many nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends.
Preceding her in death were her parents James Normis and Lolette Balkcom, daughter Kristen Danielle Sapp, and brother Jimmy Balkcom.
Barbara graduated from high school in Tenaha, Texas and then attended Panola College. At Panola she was proud to serve as the manager for the National Champion Panola Fillies basketball team. It was also at Panola that Barbara met her future husband while they both were active in the theater program, earning honors for their respective roles. Following her degree from Panola, Barbara attended Sam Houston State University where she obtained a B.S. Degree in Criminology and Corrections.
Barbara worked at Huntsville Memorial Hospital and the Walker County Treasurer's Office before landing a job at the Texas Department of Corrections (later the Department of Criminal Justice). Barbara quickly worked her way up the ranks to become the Supervisor of the TDCJ Emergency Action Center, a 24 hour/7 day a week operation that serves as a critical incident notification and reporting center for the Department.
Outside of work, Barbara was very active in a number of organizations and activities. She worked with the HHS Band Boosters, HHS GG Boosters, was a 4H leader for cooking and sewing, and an active lifetime member of the Walker County Fair Association. She served a term as Secretary of the WCFA Board and longtime service as a Committee Member. Barbara also served for more than a decade as a Board Member and Vice-Chair of the Walker County Housing Authority.
Most of all, Barbara loved her family and friends. She loved to cook and was always providing food and special treats for her friends. She was not only a loving Mama to her two daughters and devoted Granny to her granddaughter, but as a second mother to all that came into her life. She loved her many nieces and nephews and enjoyed visiting with her many friends. Barbara was an active member of Phelps Methodist Church for many years and counted its members as family. For many years Barbara was responsible for the church's card ministry and helped to spread God's love through her work.
Her and her husband, Allen were married in August of 1979 and were devoted to each other for more than 47 years.
Visitation will be held at Heritage Oak Funeral Home in Huntsville, Texas on Monday, October 12th, starting at 10am with service to follow at 11am. A graveside service will be held at Tennessee Cemetery in Tenaha, Texas at 3pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Phelps Methodist Church.
Services are under the direction of Heritage Oak Funeral Home, Huntsville, Texas. Online condolences can be made at https://www.heritageoakfh.com.
