Barbara Scoggins Harper

Barbara McGibbon Scoggins Harper was born on December 31, 1936, to Robert and Arlin McGibbon in Fort Worth, Texas.

She was an only child who was adored and cherished by her family.

She grew up in Horn Lake, Mississippi where she met and married Kenneth Scoggins. They raised three children, Lyn, Ken and Rebecca.

Barbara went to Arkansas State University and received a degree in Education to become a teacher. She received her master’s degree in Reading from the University of Texas at El Paso.

Barbara and Kenneth moved several times, making new friends in places they lived along the way. In every location, they were involved in their Church home and attended all the activities and played card games with their friends regularly. The couple eventually settled in Anthony, New Mexico, where Barbara taught and worked in the Gadsden School District. She lived her passion by giving struggling readers the gift of reading. She retired in 1992 to care for Kenneth.

After Kenneth passed away, Barbara met and married William Harper. The two adventured across Texas, loving and visiting their joined families. When Bill passed away, Barbara moved to Farmington, New Mexico, to live near Lyn and her husband Raymond.

Barbara was an accomplished organist and played for church wherever they lived. She freely gave her time and talent to her community, often playing for funerals and weddings. She was also a passionate card player, always ready to play hand and foot, or other games, with any who wanted to play.

Barbara leaves behind her three children, Lyn White (Raymond), Ken Scoggins (Jack), and Rebecca Scoggins; five grandchildren, Kelly Stone (Brian), Carol White (Brian), Eric Powell (Cassandra), Greta McGaugh (Greg) and Tamara Smart (Jason); Great-grandchildren; Morgan, Landon, Bryce, Grady, Monroe, Mason, Jacelin, Justus, Jaqx, Jett and Journey. She also leaves behind children, grandchildren and great grandchildren from the Harper side of the family who she loved dearly.

Barbara had the ability to make and maintain lifelong friendships, and she will be truly missed by Judy Beam and Gloria Peterson. Her kitty, Oreo, was her constant companion.

Our family would like to thank Basin Hospice in Farmington for their devoted, kind, and superior care of our mother and our family during the past months.

Graveside services will be held at Memory Gardens of the Valley in San Teresa, New Mexico, at a later date.