Former Ms. Black Texas remembered Nicole Barrett

Talk show host, business- woman, and former Ms. Black Texas Nicole Barrett transitioned on August 10, after suffering an aneurysm.

A popular media personality, Nicole honed her skills as a journalist, reporting for then Elite News. She then went on to host “The Nicole Barrett Show,” a fresh, bold and entertaining radio show that ranked #5 in the Dallas/Ft Worth market. Her attention to detail and probing interviews propelled the show to higher heights when in 2014 the show made its television debut on KTXD-TV; featuring several icons, including actors Diahann Carroll, Larry Hagman and Debbie Reynolds, just to name a few.

It’s no wonder that Nicole had a strong social media following and was extremely active virtually. She was always camera-ready and her gift of gab was a definite attention-grabber. Named one of the 2013 Fresh Faces of Fashion, she was featured in Modern Luxury Magazine and served on the board of the Dallas Theatre Guild.

Her special charity events included “A Luncheon with Debbie Reynolds,” “Shirley Jones Concert Gala,” “Ron Springs Gift for Life” to raise awareness and money to increase organ donors, and most recently, “Kinky Friedman’s Birthday Bash.”

Nicole’s most recent conquest was be- coming the only Black woman in America to own a cigar company. Her interest and skills seemed endless. While she didn’t allow grass to grow under her feet, and she loved and lived life to its fullest; her pride and joy was centered around her mom, Linda, who she loved taking with her on some of the many fun and exciting assignments and events where they both met and spent time with some interesting people.

Born April 6, 1975 in Dallas, TX to Linda Barrett and Lee Vernon Bryant, Jr., she was baptized at New Mount Zion Baptist Church, at an early age, under the pastoral care of Dr. Reverend Robert E. Price.

In her formative years, Nicole displayed many gifts including being a skilled communicator. Early indicators were her performances in Easter Recitals at school and church. At the tender age of 3, Nicole recited Psalms 23 in an Easter Program. She found her voice during that show-stopping performance and we all know from that point on, Nicole was never at a loss for words.

That voice, her brains and beauty led her into the world of pageantry, and in 1990, at the age of 15 she won her first of many pageants and was crowned Ms. Junior Texas.

It was in her drama class at North Mesquite High School that she fell in love with the theatre. She went on to star in “A Raisin in the Sun,” and “Elvis and Annabelle,” and on episodes of Style Network’s “Big Rich Texas.”

Upon graduation, Nicole received the Greer Carson Scholarship for Acting to the College of Santa Fe, NM, where she studied theatre/drama. During her matriculation Nicole was the 1st Runner Up for Miss Santa Fe. She would later win the title of Ms. Black Texas in 2002.

Despite her petite frame, she appeared to be everywhere and even larger than life. Whether it was that gorgeous, captivating smile or that wonderful burst of laughter; Nicole brought joy into the lives of many and that is evident from the countless photos of her with those she admired and those who admired her. She simply had an aura about her. Nicole definitely had the “it” factor and her energy was contagious.

Nicole is preceded in death by her father, Lee Vernon Bryant, Jr.; grandparents, James and Leary Barrett; and uncles, Michael Barrett and Roosevelt Thomas.

Nicole leaves to cherish her memory, her loving mother, Linda Barrett; grandfather, Lee Vernon Bryant, Sr. (Leslie) ; grand- mother, Alberta Lily; uncles, Paul Barrett, James Barrett (Evelyn), Larry Barrett, Keith Bryant; aunts, Gwenda Barrett Jackson (Ed- die), Carolyn Bryant Alexander; half -broth- er, Lee Vernon Bryant III; half-sister, Chan- tell Lily; godmother, Maude Gilmore; god aunt, Thelma VanDyke; and, a host of family member and friends.