Barbara J. Sherbon

Barbara J. Sherbon, 98, of Odessa, TX was reunited with her husband and granddaughter on December 10, 2023. Barbara was born on January 25, 1925, in Niigata, Japan as Sayoko Takizawa to Tuyo Yamagishe (mother) and father Otokichi Takizawa. She was the middle child of five girls. As a young woman she left her home in Niigata and opened a stationary store in Tokyo.  Barbara met Kenneth L. Sherbon, and they married on March 13, 1956. He was in the U.S. Army and was stationed back to the states in 1958. They made the journey across the Pacific to El Paso, Texas where they remained and raised their three children.

Barbara studied English and became a naturalized citizen. She continued her education and was on the President’s List at El Paso Community College. She often hosted a Bible study group with her Japanese friends in her home. She was an exceptional hostess.

Barbara’s home in Niigata had beautiful mountains and hot springs and she loved the mountains in El Paso. She enjoyed hiking with her Japanese friends and often hiked to Whispering Springs in the Franklin Mountains of El Paso.

Barbara had many talents including cooking, and gardening. She truly had a green thumb and loved plants, flowers, and working in her garden. She loved to cook and made sure everyone had plenty to eat. The Japanese dishes were her specialties. The gyozas with special sauce were everyone’s favorite. The gyoza recipe was handed down and it has become a tradition to make them for special occasions. Barbara took pride in her home-made pizzas as well and enjoyed making them for family gatherings. She also baked the best pies, making the crust by scratch.

Barbara loved and protected her family fiercely and cared about all of her family so very much. Although she could be a stern disciplinarian, she had a playful nature and her spontaneous laughter would warm any heart. Barbara has passed on many wonderful memories as well as the values of the Japanese culture and traditions.

Barbara is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Kenneth L. Sherbon, her parents Tuyo Yamagishe and Otokichi Takizawa, and granddaughter Christina Warden.

Barbara is survived by daughter, Rose and husband Dennis Hutchison of Odessa; daughter, Gloria and husband Randy McGuire of Odessa; son, Robert (Bobby) Sherbon of Farmersville, Tx.; grandchildren, Steve Logan Jr. of Odessa, Shawna and her husband Darren Farrill of Odessa, Ryan McGuire and wife Paige of Odessa, Ian McGuire and wife Miriam of Queen Creek, Arizona, Nicole and husband Tim Brumit of Farmersville, TX; David Sherbon and wife Amanda of Odessa; and Shay Sherbon of Odessa; twenty-three great grandchildren; twenty-two great-great grandchildren, and one great-great-great grandchild.

Visitation will be at 3:00 PM, Sunday, December 17, 2023 at Sunset Memorial Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will be at 11:00 AM, Mountain Standard Time, Monday, December 18, 2023 at Fort Bliss National Cemetery in El Paso. TX.

The family would like to extend their deepest appreciation to Madison Medical Resort, their staff, and Home Hospice  for the care they provided.