Our dear mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Jean Massey Barns Roberts, passed away February, 18, 2017 in Denton, Texas at the age of 87.  Jean was born in Denton on April 26, 1929 to Mack Van Buren and Ruby Winifred Carpenter Massey. She was a lifelong Denton resident and was the fifth generation of her family to reside in Denton County.

After attending Denton public schools and graduating from Denton High School, Jean married Joseph E. Barns, Sr. in Denton on Oct. 2, 1948.  They had five children together. Jean was a successful Real Estate Broker in Denton for many years prior to her retirement. Jean later married retired U.S. Congressman H. Ray Roberts. She was preceded in death by both husbands.

Jean is survived by her five children, Dr. Joe E. Barns, Jr. and wife Kathy of Denison, Texas, Rene' Barns Ochs and husband Richard of Kirksville, Missouri, Resa Barns Glenn and husband Dell of Whitney, Texas, Steve Barns and wife Kathryn of Denton, and Rebecca Barns Bird and husband Derek of Denton.  She is also survived by her two sisters and one brother, Joyce Ann Massey Key and husband Jack of Las Cruces, New Mexico, Maxine Massey Roberts (husband John, deceased) of Austin, Texas, and Mack V. Massey Jr. and wife Terri of Alto, New Mexico. She also leaves behind 18 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren.

Jean loved spending time with her family and friends and was an avid bridge player for most of her adult life, achieving Life Master status.  She was also a talented artist and passed that love on to her family.  Her hospitality and generosity knew no bounds and her house was always open to family members and friends alike. She will be sorely missed by all. She was a lifetime member of First Baptist Church of Denton.

The family with be at DeBerry Funeral Directors from 6:00 to 8:00 pm on Wednesday, Feb. 22 for visitation. Services will be conducted by Richard Ochs and James Earp on Thursday, Feb. 23 at 2:00 pm at First Baptist Church in Denton.  The graveside services will be at Roselawn Memorial Park in Denton.   Pallbearers will be her grandsons Randall Korver-Glenn, Will Barns, Greg Barns, Davis Bird, David Ochs, Ryan Ochs, and Benjamin Glenn.  Honorary pallbearer will be Russell Glenn.  Special  piano music requested by his grandmother will be provided by Jonathan Ochs.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Refuge Ministries, 1701 Broadway, Denton, Texas 76201.