Barbara Nivens

Barbara Jo Anderson Nivens was born January 29, 1940 in Oklahoma City, OK. She was the fifth of seven children born to Alfred R. and Nettie Hooks Anderson. Barbara, was nicknamed "Babs" by her father. Her parents and a brother, Jarvis Alfred Anderson preceded her in death.

She accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized at St. James Baptist Church, Spencer, OK., under the pastoral leadership of Rev. J. Vance Jenkins.

In 1961, Barbara rededicated her life to Jesus and united with True Vine Baptist Church, under the pastoral leadership of Rev. H.A. Walker, where she served faithfully as choir director for many years.
Most recently, she united with South Austin Community Church, under the pastoral leadership of Rev. A.L. Sneed II. She deeply loved her Pastor and church family where she was affectionately known as "Church Mother."

Barbara received her elementary and secondary education from Dunjee School in the Choctaw School District. She was very outgoing and friendly - participating in school plays and serving as captain of the girls basketball team for several years. She graduated from Langston University where she majored in Biology and minored in Education. She was also a dedicated member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. and the Student Christian Association. She did her student teaching at Manual High School, Muskogee, OK and then went on to receive her Medical Technology Certification, being the first African American student to attend the Medical Technology program at Baptist Hospital.

After working as a Medical Technologist at the Oklahoma City Clinic for ten years, she decided to pursue a teaching career. Her first assignment was at Hoover Middle School, Oklahoma City, OK. She then taught biology at Guthrie High School until relocating to Austin, TX, where she taught biology and physiology at Crocket High School for a number of years before retiring in1996. During her tenure at Crocket she was honored as "Teacher Of The Month." Even though it was not permissible, by the school rules, she shared Jesus Christ with her students in the classroom and was instrumental in leading many of them to receive Jesus as their Lord and Savior.

Barbara met the love of her life, Roosevelt Nivens Sr., when they were students at Langston University. They were united in marriage March 8, 1963. Three sons were born to this union.

She leaves to cherish her memory her husband, Roosevelt Sr. "Big Daddy" of the home; Three sons: David, Victor (Reem) and Roosevelt Jr. "Curt" (Karla); eight grandchildren: Stephanie, David Jr, Erica, Victor II, Naomi, Roosevelt III, Rameses and Jonah; two great grandchildren; 5 siblings, Harold Anderson (Theodosia), Richard Anderson (Benda), Faylice Anderson, Margaret Ford (Edward), Deloris Anderson (William); and many other relatives and friends.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, June 6, 2015 at 11:00am at Texas Oaks Baptist Church, 9910 Bill Brook Place, Austin Texas, 78748.