Barbara Hayden Power
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Barbara Hayden Power, who has gone home to be with the Lord on July 19, 2026.
Barbara was born on July 16, 1967, in Richmond, Kentucky, and was raised in Breckenridge, Texas, the town she called home for the rest of her life. She was a proud wife, mom, grandmother, big sister and daughter.
In her younger years, Barb was vivacious, spirited, and full of passion. She could be found riding around, shooting guns, and living on the edge. She had a deep love for country music, and no artist held a bigger place in her heart than George Strait. Whether his songs were playing in the background or blasting through the speakers, they were the soundtrack to many of her happiest memories.
Coming from a family rooted in the restaurant business, Barb developed a love for serving others from an early age. While working alongside her parents, she met Shawn Power, and the two were married on June 28, 1990, in Graham, Texas. Together they welcomed their only daughter, Emily Hope, who remained one of the greatest blessings of her life.
Barbara dedicated many years to serving her community as a police dispatcher before answering another calling close to her heart. When her beloved Uncle Kenneth became ill, she stepped in to continue his legacy by taking over his restaurant, and Barbie’s Buffet was established. Until 2005, she poured her heart into preparing homemade meals, welcoming familiar faces, and creating a place where people gathered around good food and good company. Cooking for others wasn’t just her profession—it was one of the ways she expressed love and found purpose.
After her health declined, Barbara was no longer able to work. She endured many hardships throughout her life, facing challenges that no one should have to bear. She found solace in her many dogs, her family & God; even through her many struggles, her story was marked by her big heart, and the light of who she truly was continued to shine through.
Barbara was preceded in death by her husband, Shawn Power; her parents, Vernon and Brinda Hayden; and her brother, James Vernon Hayden.
She is survived by her only daughter, Emily Lillard and husband, Kevin, of Waco; her beloved granddaughters, Mykelyn Henderson and Myles Lillard; her loyal partner and devoted caregiver of ten years, Michael Stanley; her nieces, Kaylee Hayden and Jayme Hayden; and several loving aunts, uncles, cousins, and dear friends who will forever cherish her memory.
Today, while our hearts grieve her absence, we find comfort in knowing that Barbara is finally free from the pain and burdens she carried for so long. We rejoice in the hope that she has been made whole, healed completely, and welcomed into the loving arms of Jesus, where there is no more suffering, only perfect peace.
May we remember Barb’s laughter, her gift for cooking, love of music and the moments that made her uniquely herself despite all the obstacles she faced. She is finally free!
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:7-8
