Heather Suzanne Barkley

Heather Suzanne Barkley, 51, of Amarillo, TX passed away Monday, December 30, 2019.

Graveside services will be at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, January 4, 2020, at Llano Cemetery. Memorial services will be at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, January 4, 2020, at Boxwell Brothers Ivy Chapel. Arrangements are by Boxwell Brothers Funeral Directors, 2800 Paramount Blvd.

Heather was born on St. Patrick’s Day, March 17, 1968, in Austin, TX to her parents, Bill and Tommie Barkley.

She graduated Salutatorian of Amarillo High School in 1986 as a National Merit Scholar. Heather attended Baylor University graduating Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1990. She earned two master’s degrees at Yale University in 1992 and 1994 and her PhD in Medieval Studies at Yale in 1995.

Her professional career included professor of English at Texas Tech University and project engineer at Netscape and AOL in Mountain View, California.

Upon her return to Amarillo, Heather enjoyed teaching English.

Her hobbies included her pets, gardening, and reading. Heather also hiked the Grand Canyon at least two times.

She is survived by her parents; brothers, Dr. Brian Barkley, and Clint Barkley; and niece, Audrey Barkley, all of Amarillo.

Memorials may be made to ASPCA.

 

12 Replies to “Heather Suzanne Barkley”

  1. I was sorry to hear about Heather. We worked together at the Amarillo Public Library in 2008. She was a very intelligent and witty person.

  2. I am so very sorry. Heather and I had so much fun together at Baylor, and I will always remember those times. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.

  3. I am so terribly sorry to hear about Heather. I had been looking forward to seeing her in March when the Baylor roommates got together for a reunion. I have nothing but fond memories of our time together in college.

  4. So sorry to hear this. Heather was a very sweet young woman. She loved animals and was a wonderful advocate for them. She will be missed.

  5. I am so sorry to learn about the death of Dr. Barkley. She was my friend and colleague when we both taught at Caprock. She is one of the smartest people I have ever met with a funny sense of humor.
    Eight or nine years ago, several of us got together and entered a Trivial Pursuit tournament. Dr. Barkley was the most competitive person there. She loved to WIN! She also kept everyone on our team laughing all afternoon. She was a very unique and fun person. I will miss her a lot.
    May God give your family strength and grace.
    Jeff Frazer

  6. Heather you were a great teacher who was loved by your students. I remember one particularly hard group of kiddos who seemed unreachable. They needed to pass a state test to get through high school. Many out right refused to do any of the work, or simply couldn’t do it. Every day you told them that you loved them. Every single day. Even when they were little toots! Especially then. Eventually I’d hear these tough kids tell you, “Love you, Dr. B”. Many of them managed to pass that test and love on through high school because of your big heart and tenacity. Thank you for teaching with us at Caprock. I love you.
    Prayers for your family and sweet fur babies.

  7. Prayers for your family. Heather was such a smart and shining example of excellence of our class of ‘86. She will be remembered. 🙁

  8. I knew Heather at Caprock High School. We felt fortunate to have her. She passed on her love of reading to her students.

  9. So very sorry for your loss-will be keeping you all in our hearts and prayers.
    Diana Davis and family
    (Granddaughter of Bernice ‘Nana’ Shemwell)

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