Barbara Probert's Obituary
Barbara Probert, 94, died in Gainesville, Thursday, November 9, 2023. She was born July 28, 1929, in Portland, Oregon to John L. and Olive “Teddy” Stevenson. She was married for 64 years to Walter Probert whom she met while they were both students at the University of Oregon. They moved to Gainesville in 1959 when he was hired to the faculty of the University of Florida College of Law. He died in Gainesville in 2016 after being cared for lovingly by Barbara in their home for several years.
Barbara was an engaged stay-at-home mom to her sons, Richard and Jim, and an active volunteer in the community until her children were teenagers. She then earned a PhD in Counseling Psychology at UF, becoming a staff psychologist and Associate Director at the UF Counseling Center where she pioneered Math Confidence groups. Dr. Barbara Probert was also a person of deep faith and an invested member of the First Presbyterian Church of Gainesville, serving as a deacon into her 90´s. She continued to be an active volunteer in the community even in her last years.
She is survived by her son, Richard and his children, Jackson and Samantha; her son, Jim, his wife, Patty, and their sons, Dylan, Max, and Alex; her nephew, Mark; her niece, Sarah, Sarah’s husband, Bob, and their children and grandchildren; as well as numerous friends who were loved like family.
Barbara was quietly proud to have been Phi Betta Kappa at Oregon and of other indications of a brilliance she did not wear on her sleeve. She will be remembered even more for the radiant light of her faith, for her kindness, and for her role as a mentor and inspiration in the lives of so many around her.
A celebration of her life will be held on Saturday, November 18, 2023, at 10:00 AM in First Presbyterian Church (300 SW 2nd Avenue, Gainesville, FL 32601) with the the Rev. Mark Hults officiating. A reception will follow at the church.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the First Presbyterian Church or to the Autism Society of America (https://autismsociety.org)
What’s your fondest memory of Barbara?
What’s a lesson you learned from Barbara?
Share a story where Barbara's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Barbara you’ll never forget.
How did Barbara make you smile?