Barbara Jean Richey Wedgeworth

Barbara Jean Richey Wedgeworth

Barbara Wedgeworth, 78, of Pelican, Louisiana, passed peacefully away Friday evening, June 3rd while surrounded by close relatives who loved her dearly, including her daughters, Judy Wedgeworth Shelton, and Velma Jean Wedgeworth Stanley. Barbara’s passing came after a series of medical complications. Judy and Jean would like to invite all friends and family to their mother’s visitation Monday, June 6th beginning at 5 p.m. A celebration of her life will be held the following day, June 7th at 2 p.m., each at the Warren Meadows Funeral Home Chapel in Many, LA. The service will be officiated by Bro. Tony Shreffler followed by interment at the Pelican Cemetery in Pelican, LA.

Barbara Jean Wedgeworth was born October 26, 1943, in Pelican, LA to Marion Abram Richey and Velmer Dee Richey, both deceased. Barbara was one of eleven children born to her parents; and she often shared fond memories of growing up among them. She lived in Pelican most of her early years and attended Pelican High School until she met and married the love of her life, a lively young sailor serving then in the United States Navy. Having wed William “David” Wedgeworth on July 2, 1960, over the next 16 years, Barbara, David and “the girls” would travel together throughout the world as military dependents. During that time, Barbara completed her education in California and later received certificates of completion in business/clerical through the vocational school in Many. She held several positions over the years working mostly in the business administration field. Upon David’s retirement, their family settled in Many where Barbara worked for Foy Motors before transferring after several years to ABC Finance Co. also in Many. When she retired from ABC as finance manager in 2013, she had been a loyal and dedicated employee who served a host of their customers for 30 years.

Barbara and David were married for 53 years at the time of his passing in April of 2013. Since then, Barbara has lived her life the same way they lived life together – by loving her family unconditionally, by giving whole heartedly to others with selfless generosity, by consistently demonstrating acceptance of others, kindness, compassion, and concern for the immediate and the eternal well-being of those who were blessed to encounter her. She was a devout Christian, the epitome of Grace, and a woman whose Faith in God became immediately evident to those among her. She will be remembered as someone who with both boldness and humility talked often about God’s power and grace to change a life, even for those who felt hopeless or unlovable. Whether friends or family, she never gave up on anyone; and for those who knew Barbara; no doubt, her legacy will be in how she lived and loved us all. She will be sorely missed by many.

Barbara was preceded in death by her husband, William David Wedgeworth; her parents, Marion Abram Richey, and Velmer Dee (Morse) Richey; two brothers and seven sisters.

She is survived by her daughters, Judy Wedgeworth Shelton and husband Bobby of Many, LA and Velma Jean Wedgeworth Stanley and husband Bob of Lufkin, TX; grandchildren: Donya Rials Tatum and husband Chet of Noble, LA, Kimberly Rials of Zwolle, LA, Melanie Rials Brannam of Many, LA and Tommy Ray Stanley of Joshua, TX; great grandchildren: Jaxon Stanley, Kalina Stanley, Ryleigh Hartford, Kyleigh Hartford, Kayden Brannam and Jonah Snider-Tatum; her dear sister, Sara Touchton of Pelican, LA; along with a host of nieces and nephews.

Barbara is also survived by her beloved fulltime caregiver, Sandy McAnulty, who fondly referred to her as “grandma” while lovingly caring for her every need at the home of Judy and Robert Shelton, her residence for the past two years. The bond between Sandy and “Grandma” was unmistakable.

Lead Pallbearer: Thomas Ray “Tommy” Stanley

Honorary Lead Pallbearer: Charles “Chet” Tatum

Pallbearers: Allen Touchton, Allen Wayne Remedies, Mikey McCammond, Craig Burns, Christian Brown, Billy Joe Blankenship, and Andy Ray Blankenship.

Junior Pallbearers: Jaxon Stanley, Jonah Snider-Tatum, and Kayden Brannam.

Mamaw Bob’s Angel Maidens: Ryleigh Hartford, Kyleigh Hartford and Kalina Stanley.

Honorary Pallbearers: Henry Touchton, Arthur Touchton, Robert A. “Trey” Shelton, III.

Rate this article: 
No votes yet