Obituary

Mary “Barbara” Lambert Stephens

June 28, 1947 – January 4, 2026

Mary “Barbara” Lambert Stephens of Bogalusa, Louisiana, passed away on Sunday, January 4, 2026, at the age of 78. She was born on June 28, 1947, in Tylertown, Mississippi, to Frank and Mary Charlene Lambert.

Barbara was the oldest of seven children and carried that role with quiet strength throughout her life. She was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband, Bobby Eugene Stephens; her brothers Frank “Buster” Lambert, Ronnie Lambert, and Wilmer “Wil” Lambert; and her sister, Nancy Lambert Bryan.

In 1964, Barbara married the love of her life, Bobby Stephens. Their marriage was built on a deep, complete love marked by devotion, respect, and genuine partnership. Bobby often said he worshiped the ground Barbara walked on, and she cherished him deeply in return. Together, they shared 57 years of marriage, building a life and family until Bobby’s passing in 2021.

Barbara was a proud and devoted mother to her daughters, Theresa (Frank) Glenn and Susan (Matt) Newman. She adored her grandchildren, Kody Glenn, Nick (Lindsey) Glenn, and Miranda (Justin) Newman Brumfield, and found endless joy in her great-grandchildren, Myles Glenn, Reagan Glenn, Mayson Bencheck, Gavin Glenn, Adilea Riley, and Gunner Glenn. She often said her great-grandchildren were what truly put the “great” in it.

Outside of her family, Barbara took great pride in her career. She attended LSU School of Dentistry, graduating with the Class of 1978–1979, and earned the Chancellor’s Award, an accomplishment she held close to her heart. Barbara became the very first dental hygienist in Bogalusa and practiced for nearly 30 years. Generations of patients remember not only her gentle care, but also the toy chest in her dental office, a small detail that reflected her warmth and her natural way with people.

Barbara was a loyal and deeply valued friend. She maintained lifelong friendships and welcomed people easily into her life. Her home was the heart of the neighborhood, with adults and children regularly gathered around her kitchen table. She loved her bowling friends from years past, her Pokeno group, especially when it was her turn to host, and her church friends, who brought her great joy in recent years.

Barbara believed deeply that the dash between the dates mattered, and she lived in a way that made that dash count. Her life was defined by love, kindness, loyalty, duty, laughter, and connection, and her presence will be missed more than words can express.

She is survived by her sisters, Patricia Lambert and Margaret “Linda” Lambert; her daughters and their families; two aunts, and many nieces, nephews, and friends who were blessed to know her.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, January 7, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. at Poole-Ritchie Funeral Home. Funeral services will begin at 2:00 p.m., with Rev. Clay Norwood officiating. Interment will follow at Ponemah Cemetery.