OBITUARY: Retired Brevard Teacher Barbara Crabtree, 85, of Melbourne, Passed Away Jan. 30

taught at Central Junior High IN MELBOURNE

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – Barbara H. Crabtree, 85, of Melbourne, Florida, died on January 30, 2025, at the YourLife Memory Care Facility in West Melbourne.

She was born in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, on December 31, 1939, to Mattie Tamzie and John Hubert Heaton. She went on to earn a B.S. in Home Economics at the University of Arkansas and later a Master of Arts degree from the University of Oklahoma.

She began her teaching career at Pinecrest, a small school in Hillsborough County, Florida. After one year, she moved to Melbourne, Florida, and taught at Central Junior High for the remainder of her career.

Barbara was devoted to her students and believed that even in the modern world, the art of homemaking would be a valuable asset, whatever path one might choose, be it a homemaker or a professional career.

Barbara was a loving mother, grandmother and wife. Barbara loved to travel both abroad and in-country, she especially loved touring with her husband on their Goldwing Motorcycle: she loved snow skiing with her family, crafts of all kinds, clothes, the more the merrier and dancing. In addition to her family, she had a special place in her heart for her dogs, she loved her Schnauzers!

Mrs. Crabtree was preceded in death by her parents, Mattie Tamzie and John Hubert Heaton, Stepmother Louise Heaton, Brother John Rodger Heaton, her son William Rater, and numerous cousins, uncles, and aunts.

She is survived by her husband, Luther; daughter, April (T.J); daughter-in-law, Ellen Rater; and four grandchildren, Austin, Jordon, Nathen, and Rachel. She will be sorely missed by her family and her friends.

The Crabtree family would like to express our sincere thanks to the management and staff of the YourLife Memory Care facility of West Melbourne.

Especially thanks to the staff who took care of Barbara on a day-to-day basis. Their professionalism, patience, and genuine concern for Barbara’s well-being are greatly appreciated and will never be forgotten. Thanks!!

Donations in Barbara’s memory can be made to Brevard County Sheriff’s Office Animal Services.

Funeral arrangements were under the direction of Brownlie-Maxwell Funeral Home, 1010 Palmetto Ave, Melbourne, FL 32901

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