Lynda Irene Barbay

Lynda Irene Barbay, 75, of Port Arthur, went home to be with her Lord Saturday, May 16, 2020 after a long illness. She was born July 19, 1944, in Savannah, Georgia, to Virginia Stovall McDonald and Edward Daniel McDonald, Sr.    

Devoted to her family, Lynda enjoyed a special bond with her brother, Eddie, and was especially proud to be Tia Lynda to her niece, Elizabeth, Eddie’s daughter. She arranged family holiday dinners and meals, incorporating recipes which were handed down from her beloved mother, Virginia, also an admired cook and baker. Lynda’s church family was important, too. She had many fond memories of growing up with her friends in the Pentecostal Church. She shared her love of God and devotion to her church, especially in visiting the sick among her friends and family.

Lynda was an extremely energetic person with a strong and active work ethic from the time she was a seven-year-old washing dishes at the boarding house owned by her grandmother, Sweetie, through the years she maintained her own household. While working full time as the office manager of an insurance office, she strived to improve her office skills and knowledge of the insurance industry through continuing education. She received certifications in writing life insurance and health insurance policies, earning the confidence of many customers and family members who came to rely on her knowledgeable recommendations for their insurance needs.

Evenings and weekends, Lynda enjoyed working in her yard, keeping it beautifully landscaped with shrubs and flowers. Her love of beauty extended to her home as well, which was always spotless and immaculate, furnished and decorated with her classic finds. She enjoyed shopping for and locating elegant pieces at modest prices.  

Survivors include her husband of thirty-seven years, Robert Barbay, Jr., of Port Arthur; brothers, Edward McDonald, of Beaumont and Brent McDonald and his wife, Becky, of Austin; sister-in-law, Daylis Estevez, of Beaumont; nieces, Elizabeth McDonald, of Beaumont; Megan McDonald, of Beaumont; and Mandy McDonald, of Dallas; aunt, Shirley Lowe, of Port Arthur; and cousins, Michael Lowe, Sr. and Michael Lowe, Jr.

Mrs. Barbay is preceded in death by her parents, Virginia Stovall McDonald and Edward Daniel McDonald, Sr., and by her grandmother, Edna Roberta “Sweetie” French Stovall, whom she considered to be a strong positive influence in her life.

A gathering of Mrs. Barbay’s family and friends will be from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, May 27, 2020, at Broussard’s, 505 North 12th Street, Nederland. Her graveside service will be at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, May 28, 2020, at Greenlawn Memorial Park, 3900 Twin City Highway, Groves, with the Reverend James Lee officiating.