Her work career began as a home economics teacher at Blytheville Junior High School in 1960 before she became the organist at First United Methodist Church in Monticello, AR in 1962. She remained in that position until 1967. Barbara took the job of Director/Administrator of the Monticello/Drew County Senior Citizens Center in 1977 where she remained until her retirement in December 2018. She handled all aspects of setting up and managing a Senior Citizens program from its inception, including budgets, hiring, and managing employees. She was also a Senior Citizens Adult Education teacher from 1987-1994.
She was a Cum Laude graduate of the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville where she obtained her BS degree in Home Economics Education. Her community volunteer experience spanned many years as a Past-President of the Monticello Music Club, Secretary of District AFMC, Past-President and life-member of Monticello Junior Auxiliary, Past-President and Secretary of the Southeast Arkansas Concert Association, Past-President of MERCI Board of Directors, and Secretary of Drew County United Way Board of Directors. Barbara always remained very active in her church having served as pianist, organist, Administrative Board member, Council on Ministries, Worship Committee chairman, Sunday School teacher, choir member, and past chairman of Family Ministries. Her hobbies included playing bridge, playing the piano, reading, traveling, and going to movies, concerts and plays.
Survivors include her son, Alan Abston and wife Suzanna from Little Rock; three grandchildren, Clark, Anna and Claire Abston all of Little Rock; her first cousins, Carol Bledsoe (Bob), Don Freel, Nancy Lassiter (Dale), Eddie White and Mary Jayne White as well as many other family and friends. "Barbara added to the sum of human joy; and if everyone to whom she did a kind or loving deed was to bring a blossom to her grave, she would sleep tonight beneath a wilderness of flowers."
Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m. Saturday, August 10, 2019 at First United Methodist Church in Monticello with burial to follow in Oakland Cemetery. Family visitation will be held one hour prior to service time at the church. Officiating will be Rev. Hammett Evans and Dr. Robert. Bledsoe. Memorials may be given to the Monticello Senior Citizens Center or the First United Methodist Church. Online guestbook at www.stephensondearman.com.
Condolences(10)
Cindy McKinstry
Little Rock, AR Monday, August 19, 2019 So sorry for your loss of Mrs. Barbara. She was a special lady.KK Feldhaus
St Louis, MO Monday, August 12, 2019 may her memory always be a blessing.mom (Mary Reinhart Feldhaus) was just talking about Barbara the other day.
KK & Mary
Robert Moore
Monticello, AR Friday, August 9, 2019 It was pure pleasure knowing Mrs. Barbara for 29 years.Susan and Hoyt Andres
Highlands, NC Friday, August 9, 2019 Our deepest condolences to Alan and his family.Andy Briant
Monticello, AR Friday, August 9, 2019 Ms Barbara was a very nice lady. May she rest in peace. Prayers for peace and comfort for her family.Jackie & Ilene Rash
Longview, TX Friday, August 9, 2019 Alston FamilyWe are sorry to hear of Barbara's passing.
You have our prayers and sympathy.
I'ts always sad to loose a classmate..
Pat Matthews
Maumelle, AR Thursday, August 8, 2019 Alan, I am so sorry for the loss of your mother. She was an asset to the Monticello Methodist church as well as to the city of Monticello.Larry & Janie Fuller
Monticello, AR Thursday, August 8, 2019 Family & SurvivorsPrayers uplifted for all of you & Barbara. May God grant you comfort & peace.
We have known Barbara over 35 years & enjoyed knowing her & being a Church member with her. I especially am grateful to Barbara for allowing me to work at Senior Citizens Center for over 15 years as an AARP Tax Return Preparer. She was always gracious & most accommodating.
We loved Barbara too!
Janice Gladden Wiggam
Hot Springs Village, AR Wednesday, August 7, 2019 What a precious and beautiful friend God has chosen. She has always been such a blessing to all whom she met and has helped so many throughout the years. We were in Music Club and Church Music together for such a long time and I remember Barbara being such an accomplished musician and leader.Kathryn Spore
New Haven, MO Wednesday, August 7, 2019 I'm so sorry about Barbara's passing. I hope it was peaceful. Now she is resting with those of her family who are also with the Lord.