I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 3:14.

With profound sadness, we say goodbye to Barbara Hollingsworth Knowles—beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great‑grandmother, mentor, and friend—who passed away peacefully on June 11, 2026. Barbara loved the Lord with all her heart, and in response to His great love for her, following His Word was her highest priority. A memorial service will be announced at a later date.

Barbara never met a stranger. She was known for striking up conversations with people at gas pumps, in busy airports, and with anyone she encountered in the grocery store. She lived her faith through service, donating thousands of hours to meeting, mentoring, supporting, and feeding those in need.

Born Barbara Ann Hollingsworth on January 17, 1941, in Houston, Texas, she was the only child of Wise and Billie Hollingsworth. Her father’s work as a geophysicist took the family to Oklahoma, Fort Worth, Big Spring, Colorado, and Louisiana. She held especially fond memories of her time in Grand Junction, Colorado, where she developed close friendships with classmates and teachers.

Barbara attended Rhodes College in Memphis, Tennessee—the “family college,” where her aunt and cousins had graduated. She earned a degree in Psychology in 1963. During college, she met and married Philip J. Green, who graduated with a degree in Physics.  They briefly lived in Baton Rouge while Philip earned his doctorate at Louisiana State University.

Barbara and Philip had two daughters, Kelly and Kimberly, and moved in 1967 to Bryan, Texas, when Philip joined the Physics Department at Texas A&M University. They were devoted members of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church for more than 20 years. Philip served as choir director, while Barbara taught Sunday School, share groups, and Bible studies. Her life was enriched by many cherished friendships from St. Paul’s, some lasting more than 60 years. In later years, she led women’s retreats, finding joy in the hours spent researching scripture and preparing materials.

Barbara began piano lessons at age six and continued through college. She taught piano from 1972 to 1984, and several of her students remained in touch—some continuing to play professionally. In 1987, she began working for a friend from St. Paul’s, Flip Flippen. She remained with Flip as he founded and grew The Flippen Group, working for 21 years in roles including administrative support, editing, and content writing. She loved her work there, especially the writing and editing that strengthened her own book projects. She frequently said she could not have asked for a better job or better people to work with.

Barbara was a writer throughout her life, filling hundreds of notebooks. She published A Collection of poems in 1990. In 1992, she created and published Love Never Fails, a perpetual scripture calendar. In 1999, she authored her first book, Stepping Stones, which she used as a guide for women’s retreats. Her second book, God’s Powerful Remedies, was released in 2015, along with a limited‑edition memoir for her children and grandchildren. Her final book, completed in 2018, The Holy Spirit and With Fire, was her personal love letter to God.  She had already begun working on her next project, Up Close and Personal with the God of the Universe. 

Following her divorce in 1988, Barbara married Thomas Wilbourne Knowles II on December 29, 2001. Her love of writing led her to Brazos Writers meetings, where she met Tom. They shared a deep appreciation for books, writing, conversation, and good food. Their favorite evenings were spent enjoying the meal Tom had prepared and watching a favorite movie. Saturday brunch became a treasured ritual, filled with long conversations about the week’s events. Barbara’s home was “Christmas Central” for decades, a place where her daughters’ families and Tom’s son, Robert James, gathered to celebrate and enjoy time together.

Barbara is survived by her husband of 25 years, Thomas Knowles; her daughter Kelly Ross and husband Alan of Albuquerque, New Mexico; her daughter Kimberly Downey and husband Mike of Bryan; her grandson Ryan Green of Benbrook, Texas; her granddaughter Summer Wood of Phoenix, Arizona; and her stepson Robert James Knowles.

Trevino‑Smith Funeral Home will handle arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to SOS Ministries, where Barbara mentored a young student for six years. Save Our Streets Ministries, 1700 Groesbeck St. Bryan, TX 77803 www.saveourstreetsministries.org