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Wessolee Watson Barrow, born February 19, 1917 in a farmhouse at Howe, TX, was carried in the arms of angels to our Heavenly Father the 26th day of July, 2004, at the age of 87. She leaves behind numerous family members and friends who greatly appreciated her caring phone calls. Wessolee's working life began in the 6th grade. She lived with various families, working in their homes and caring for their children, to earn room and board while she attended school in Alpine, Texas. She completed her high school and college education in 3 years, graduating from Sul Ross State Teachers College at the age of 19 with a Bachelor of Science degree in August of 1937. Her career as an educator began in the fall of that year, in Fabens, TX. Wessolee and Thomas Wiley Barrow, whom she'd met in Alpine, were secretly married on December 22nd of that year at Carlsbad, NM. (Her $800.00 a year contract stated that she could not teach if she was married.) Prior to the war years, Wessolee and Tommy had managed picture shows in Odessa and Eldorado, TX and owned the picture show in Marble Falls, TX. Barrow continued her personal education, earning her Master's Degree in Education from Sul Ross in 1951. She taught in schools in West Texas; the Los Angeles City Schools during WWII and the Korean War; in Catron County Schools in NM; and since 1965, the Albuquerque Public Schools. At the time of her retirement in 1983, she was teaching the 6th grade enriched at Hoover Middle School. Seven credit hours from a doctorate, her career as an educator had spanned 46 years. Appreciative of the many awards and accolades she had received during her years as a teacher, her greatest joy was knowing she had contributed to a solid educational foundation for her students. Wessolee had been a member of NEA, NMEA, President of Catron County District 2 Teachers Association, and had served on the NMEA Southwest District Executive Committee. She was a member of the American Association of University Women and Daughters of the American Revolution. She was a Distinguished Teacher in New Mexico. Preceded in death by her husband, Wessolee is survived by her son, Mark Ellis Barrow, wife, Toni and grandson, Brett of Belen; her daughter, Arliss Barrow Fullerton; her granddaughter, Monica Anne Fullerton of Las Cruces; her grandson, Thomas R. Fullerton, wife Beth, great-grandson, Chance, and great-great-granddaughter, Sierra of Moriarty; and her sister, Helen Buie of Odessa, TX. Wessolee's family wishes to extend their deepest appreciation to Selette Barrow Surratt, of Cleburne, TX; and to family friend, Laurie Pierce Hunt of Austin, TX, whose parents, Red and Lunelle Pierce, had been friends for 75 years, who came to share their love and laughter with Mother. It is such a blessing having you in our lives. Thank you to the many family members and friends who called to share their love, who sent cards and flowers. The family also wishes to thank the doctors at Kaseman Presbyterian, the emergency room staff, the 800 unit and the 300 unit who were so kind and encouraging. We especially thank Jean Barr, who took the time to gently explain the do not resuscitate order. Thank you to the doctors, emergency room staff, and Dr. Bette Allen, who saw us twice, the orange pod at the Heart Hospital of New Mexico for their professional care and concern. To Dr. Wesselman and the Hospice Unit staff at the Albuquerque Regional Medical Center for their understanding, guidance, and gentle care of our Mother in her last days, thank you. Private cremation services have been held. The family requests memorial contributions in her honor be made to the First Methodist Church, PO Box 328, Alpine, TX, 79831, of which she was a member.
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