Barbara Parker Colwell

Barbara Parker Colwell, age 76, went home to be with Jesus on Sunday afternoon, November 23, 2014 in Union General Hospital.

Born on October 22, 1938 to Newman J and Laura Pickelsimer Parker, Barbara Parker Colwell, was the fifth of eight children. Having four older brothers meant that Barbara, called Bobbie by her family, could hold her own against the boys. Barbara attended elementary and middle grades at Bunker Hill School where her Dad, Newman, was the teacher for all grades. She graduated from Union County High School in 1956. Barbara accepted Jesus as her Lord and Savior at an early age, and served Him all her life.

Barbara worked at the school for a short time, then, was employed with Union County Bank, now known as United Community Bank for several years. On August 16, 1958, Barbara married Wayne Colwell. Her mother, Laura, shared that, at first, she and Newman were not happy about Barbara dating Wayne, because he drove too fast. Wayne and Barbara were married for 46 years prior to Wayne's passing in 2004. After Wayne passed, Barbara told family that she had always been certain God put her on this earth to be a helpmate to Wayne, who had polio at the age of 16. She fulfilled her role beautifully, and without seeking any praise.

Barbara was a homemaker, wife, and mother to two daughters, Leah Colwell Adams, and Leslie Colwell Daniel. She was a talented seamstress, fashioning beautiful handmade clothing for she and her daughters. Barbara faithfully attended each event and activity the girls were involved in. Once grandsons came along, Barbara was deeply involved in their lives, making sure they knew how to swim and ride a bicycle, among other things. She was in attendance at every sporting or school event for her grandsons, Parker Daniel and Coleson Daniel. She was an active member of First Baptist Church in Blairsville, where she was involved in her Sunday school class, as well as a Tuesday ladies Bible study class.

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, Newman and Laura Parker, one brother, Earl Parker, and her beloved husband, Wayne Colwell. She leaves behind two daughters and sons-in-law, Leah Colwell and Greg Adams, and Leslie Colwell and Robert Daniel, as well as three grandsons, Parker Daniel, Coleson Daniel, and Charlie Adams. She also leaves behind four brothers and two sisters, Jack Parker (Peggy), Zane Parker (Charlotte), Ray Parker, Bill Parker (Pat), Jean Kendall (Bill), and Janie Collins (Jim). Many nieces, nephews, and friends also survive.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to either the Gideons International or to the Youth Ministry at First Baptist Church in Blairsville.

The family will receive friends at Cochran Funeral Home in Blairsville on Monday evening from 5pm until 8pm. There will be a Celebration of Life service on Tuesday afternoon at 2:00 pm at First Baptist Church in Blairsville. The family will also receive friends at the church Tuesday from 1:00-2:00 pm.

Arrangements entrusted to the Cochran Funeral Home of Blairsville.