Barbara J. Zazas

Barbara Jo “BJ/Barb” Zazas, age 77, of Indianapolis, Indiana, passed away on February 24, 2024. She was born in Wanamaker, IN, to the late Merle A. Walker and Helen Smith Walker.

Barb was a beloved Legal Secretary at Barnes & Thornburg from 1968 to 1989. She attended Wanamaker Elementary School, Franklin Central High School, and pursued higher education at IU and IUPUI.

She was known for her kind heart, generous spirit, and deep love for her Heavenly Father. Barb was a thoughtful and wise lady who touched and changed the lives of countless people.  Her interests included world traveling, reading, studying the Bible, and spending time with family and friends.  After retirement, Barb was a child advocate in the Indianapolis court system.  She also spent several years dedicating herself to leading Bible studies and supporting the College Park Adult Special Needs group.

Barb is survived by her mother, Helen Smith Walker; siblings, Stephen V. Walker (Jo, deceased), Judith A. Walker Roehr (Gary), and Harlie D. Walker (Linda, deceased); nieces, Lee Walker, Sheri Roehr, Barbara Roehr Smith, and Angie Roehr Helm (Stephen); nephews, Stevie Walker, David Walker (Becki), Jeff Walker, Scott Roehr (Beth), John Walker (Erin), Jake Walker, Chris Walker (Beth); 18 great-nieces and nephews, 8 great-great-nieces and nephews; first cousins, Madelyn Smith Striebeck (Carl), Susie Smith Humphries (Don), David Smith (Lee), Mark Smith (Dee), Roland Smith (Karon), Danny Smith (Treena), Jeff Smith (Angie), Carol Richardson Watson (Ron), and Donna Richardson; stepsons, Jim Zazas, Eric Edelson (Anny); “Niece”/Cousin [Barb’s primary caregiver during her 20 month battle with cancer], Kirsten Striebeck Robinson (Dave);  and numerous other cousins and extended family members.

Barb was preceded in death by her husband, George J. Zazas; maternal grandparents, Ferdinand “Ferd” Smith and Harriett “Hattie” Adams Smith; paternal grandparents, Hiram Walker and Rachael Young Walker; uncles, Lester Smith (Edith) and Thomas Smith (Thelma); aunt, Jewel Walker Richardson (Glen); first cousins, Tommy Smith (Linda) and Jeanine Smith Reid (Mike).

Barb had many groups of friends but none as special as the “The Seven”.  These girls met in Jr. High and have remained very close friends to this day – Marty Breedlove Stinson, Pat Richey Kane, Sheila Stayte Rowe [deceased], Georgene Worrell Herringa, Carolyn McCarty Eldridge, and Bobbie Lambert.   One of Barb’s favorite times of year was when her oldest first cousin Madelyn Smith Striebeck would come for “Cousins Week”.  During these weeks they shared countless treasured memories and were often joined by Madelyn’s daughter Gretchen White and Tommy’s daughter Sherry Smith.

Visitation for Barb will be held at Wilson St. Pierre Funeral Service & Crematory, Franklin Township Chapel, 5950 Thompson Road, Indianapolis, IN 46237, on Monday, March 4, 2024, from 1:00 – 4:00 pm and 6:00 – 8:00 pm. The funeral service will take place on Tuesday, March 5, 2024, at New Bethel Baptist Church, 8936 Southeastern Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46239, at 2:00 pm, followed by a graveside service.

Barb leaves a void that can’t be filled and will be terribly missed by all who knew and loved her, but we take great comfort in knowing she is praising and rejoicing in heaven!

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