Alexis Ann (Alexander) Barton was born on July 30, 1960, in Anchorage, Alaska, at Fort Richardson. Because her father served in the United States Army, Alexis spent her childhood living in several places, including Fort Polk, Louisiana, and Fort Hood, Texas. After her father retired from the Army, the family settled in Minden, Louisiana, where Alexis later graduated from Shreveport High School.
Alexis was preceded in death by her husband, John Ferguson; her mother Mazie Guice and father Royce Alexander; her sister, Gail Alexander; and her son, Michael Barton.
She is survived by her sister, Linda Nelson (Grant); her brother, Robert Alexander (Donnita ); her sons, Timothy Barton (Jo Ellen) of Lufkin, TX, Justin Barton of Memphis,TN and Steven Barton (Bianca) of Nederland, TX; and her two nieces Paige Ybarbo (Shon) , Brooke McGowan (Thomas) (McKenzie) and three nephews JT Holt, Kevin Holt and Robert Alexander. She also leaves behind two beloved grandchildren, Katelyn Barton-Lovett and Grace Barton, as well as many cousins who reside throughout Louisiana.
Alexis was known by several loving family nicknames throughout her life. “Alaska Ann” came from the time she spent living in Alaska, while “Turkey” was a nickname she earned after showing just how fierce she could be during a game of spades.
From a young age, Alexis was a true people person who never met a stranger. She had a natural ability to make people feel welcome and connected. She believed that everyone was a child of God and was always willing to stand in the gap for someone in need. Her heart for people and her desire to serve others were evident in the countless connections she made throughout her life.
Alexis was also a talented and accomplished professional. She was a top-producing sales associate for Ben E. Keith, where her keen understanding of sales and extensive product knowledge earned the respect of her colleagues. The company recognized her talents and asked her to train other sales associates. She also traveled to California on numerous occasions to help set up the company's annual conventions.
While living in Memphis, Alexis served as the office manager for a prominent local dentist. When the practice expanded into a larger office, Alexis took on the challenge of helping bring the new space to life. She was involved in everything from designing and painting the space to handling the many details required to open the new office. True to her nature, she was willing to take on whatever needed to be done.
Above all, Alexis was a devoted mother and family woman. She was an active mother of four and a dedicated sports mom, enthusiastically attending her children's school events, activities, and functions. Later in life, she devoted herself to caring for her in-laws around the clock, once again demonstrating the love, loyalty, and servant's heart that defined so much of who she was.
Alexis loved her children and her family deeply. She was a warrior in every sense of the word. Throughout her battle with cancer, she often said, “It takes a lot of work to stay alive.” And she did the work. She fought to remain here for the people she loved. Even on days when most people would have stayed in bed, Alexis found a way to remain active and engaged with life.
Her determination was a testament to her incredible zest for life and her desire to stay around for those she loved. She faced difficult days with courage, continued to show up for others, and never lost the part of herself that wanted to help, connect, laugh, and live.
Alexis leaves behind more than memories. She leaves behind the example of a woman who loved fiercely, worked hard, served others, fought courageously, and believed in the worth of every person she met.
Her heart for service showed in every connection she made, every person she helped, and every gap she was willing to stand in for someone else.
Alexis will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all those whose lives she touched. Her love, strength, determination, and unforgettable spirit will live on in the people she leaves behind.