Barbara Scudder

New Iberia - Funeral services will be at 11:00 AM, Thursday, November 1, 2012, at Assembly Christian Center, in New Iberia, for Barbara Reed Scudder, 65, who died on Saturday, October 27, 2012, in Houston. Interment will follow in the Beau Pre Cemetery, in Jeanerette. Rev. Paul Neel will officiate. A gathering of family and friends will be Thursday from 10:00 AM until 11:00 AM at Assembly Christian Center, 4201 E. Admiral Doyle Drive, New Iberia. A native of Omaha, Nebraska, Barbara was born on October 1, 1947, and was a 1973 graduate of the University of Hawaii with a BA in Physical Education. She worked in Special Education as a self-contained teacher and an Adapted Physical Education teacher in Iberia Parish for over 30 years. She volunteered in the capacity of Coach for G.U.M.B.O (Games Uniting Mind and Body) for over 20 years. This state organization provides athletic participation for students with physical disabilities. Barbara attended the Canadian meet with the Louisiana Mudbugs where her 'Can do' attitude allowed her to take apart a motorized wheelchair on the airport tarmac to allow the student to continue and participate. She transported students in her own personal vehicle if family were unable to do the same. She participated with students at State and National Games in Oklahoma, receiving Coach of the Year in Gumbo, in 2007. Barbara was a Special Olympic coach for students participating in the local, regional, and state games. She was an Official for both local and regional games. She embodied the Special Olympics oath, 'Let me win, and if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt'. She loved nature, hiking, and swimming, and was an official for the local Elementary Fitness meet in Iberia Parish for many years. A member of the Azalea Garden Club, Barbara was also a member of the Board of LAHPERD (Louisiana Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance) holding various positions, presently Community Outdoor/Recreation Elect. Her tireless efforts to volunteer in these organizations made Barbara a friend to all and enemy to none. Her selfless and humble works were designed with one thing in mind, the children. Fulfilling their needs and making sure they were safely exposed to opportunities of learning was her gift. She coordinated this learning by tailoring it to fit their disabilities and abilities. Barbaras first love was her Lord and solace in her church family at Assembly Christian. All second, with equal weight were family, friends, students she taught, all creatures, big and small, and nature. Although she may have been oblivious to the larger circumstances of life sometimes, she had the uncanny ability to see the beauty and uniqueness of everything and everyone. Her passion for her children and her work was her calling. A bible verse says it best, 'I have competed well; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith'. Goodbye Ms. Barbara, its a happy day in heaven because they need you there to take care of the children. You have left a huge hole in our hearts. We love and miss you. 'Wheres Barbara' Survivors include her brothers, Steve Scudder and wife Sharon of Arroyo Grande, CA, Bill Scudder and wife Debby of Kingston, Idaho; step mother, Doris Scudder of Riverside, CA; nieces and nephews, Randy Scudder, Paul Scudder, Danielle Scudder, Tisha Scudder Whatcott, Emilee Scudder Kulin; cousins, James Barrow, and Debbie Barrow Hartman. She was preceded in death by her father, Robert Scudder, and her mother, Edith Williams. Pellerin Funeral Home, 502 Jefferson Terrace Blvd., New Iberia, LA 70560, 337.365.3331, is in charge of arrangements.