Mrs. Mary Ruth Richardson Barber, 85, departed this life on Saturday, November 24, 2007, at Ashburn Health Care Center in Ashburn, where she had been a resident for the past two years. Prior to 2005, she was a 62 year resident of Irwin County and Irwinville.
Funeral services will be 2 PM, Monday, November 26, 2007 at Irwinville Baptist Church, Irwinville with the Rev. Sonny Pate and the Rev. Ronnie Lawson officiating. Her grandson, Clay Pirkle, will give the eulogy. Interment will follow in Irwinville Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 7-9 Sunday evening at the funeral home in Ocilla.
The second of seven children, Mary Ruth was born November 11, 1922, in Berrien County, Georgia, to the late Andrew Chesley and Lily Mae Hodges Richardson. She was a member of Vickers Community Church, Berrien County. She was known at home and abroad as an outstanding southern cook. She loved the beauty of God’s creation and blessed Him for His constant care and provision. Mrs. Barber worked as a lunchroom lady for Fitzgerald Elementary and Ocilla High School.
Left to cherish her memory are her children and their spouses: C. Craig Barber of Tift County, Gwen Barber Ingle and Ray, and Linda Barber Pirkle and Gerald, all of Turner County, and Sharon Barber Dewberry and Terry of Marietta; nine grandchildren: Ray Ingle, Jr. and Amanda I. Dix, both of Irwinville, Jon Ingle of Lake Charles, LA, Clay Pirkle of Sycamore, Vance Pirkle, MD of Seneca, SC, Matt Barber of Florida, and Ben, Dan, and Debbie Dewberry, all of Marietta; twelve great-grandchildren; three sisters: Vida R. Rice of Tampa, FL, Ruby R. Lindsey of Plant City, FL and Jewell R. E’Gulf of St. Petersburg, FL; two brothers and their spouses: J. D. “Buddy” Richardson and Blanche of Tampa, FL and Charles Richardson and Virginia of Irwinville; and one sister-in-law: Christine M. Richardson of Waterloo. Mrs. Barber was preceded in death by her husband: P. Sion Barber, Sr.; her firstborn son: P. Sion Barber Jr.; and one brother: H. C. Richardson.