Mrs. Barber was born in Centralhatchee, Georgia on May 3, 1940, the daughter of the late Elva Nutt. From a very early age it was clear that she was a gentle, kind person, who had a great desire to help others. As a classmate of the graduating class of 1958 she remained in close contact with many who were always dear to her. She never forgot the close friendships that were developed in those early years. Her desire to help others, especially children led her to West Georgia College where she obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education and Library Science. After several years of teaching, and raising her own children she furthered her education with a Masters, and Specialist Degree also in Education. She devoted her working life to educating children with a specific desire to give them the basis for all learning, a love for reading. Her devotion to each of her students gave each of the little ones she taught a better chance in life to succeed. “Miss. Pat” will long be remembered by each of the lives she touched by her wonderful teaching skills and the love that she gave to each student. She was an active member of the Union Grove Baptist Church. Her children and grandchildren consider themselves blessed to call her mother and grandmothers, but she was the one who would tell you quickly that she was the blessed one to have such a wonderful family. There was nothing that she loved more than having her entire family around her kitchen table, all under her roof once again. She will be greatly missed by all who had the great privilege to have known her.
She is survived by one daughter, Tammi Steele (Jackie, Sr); two sons, Mark Barber (Sandy), and Shane Barber (Pam) all of Franklin, GA.; grandchildren Jackie “Bucky” Steele, Jr. (Kate) of Clermont, FL., Nikkie Horne (Chris) of LaGrange, GA., and Bradley Barber of Franklin, GA.; one aunt, Sara Nutt of Centralhatchee, GA.; sister and brother- in-law, Dinkey Proctor (Scott) of Franklin, GA., and Arnold Barber of Bremen, GA.; and one dear friend, Pearl Goss.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of forty-three year, Hollis Barber; her mother Elva Nutt; and devoted cousin, Robbie Buchannan.