Barbara Keys Tomlinson, a resident of Dothan, Alabama, passed away November 9, 2025 after a brief illness. She was 91 years old.
Barbara was born October 31, 1934 in Austell, Georgia to the late Darnell and Lucille Keys. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Ausbin Lavon Tomlinson; a son, Lorie Lavon Tomlinson; and a brother, Kenneth Lamar Keys in Austell, Georgia.
Barbara is survived by three children: Julie McWaters (Frank) of Bonifay, Florida, Diane Vaughn (Joe) of Coffee Springs, Alabama, and Steve Tomlinson (Kim) of Byron, Georgia; six grandchildren, Ben McWaters (Melissa) of Chipley, Florida, Jonathan McWaters of Bonifay, Florida, Allen McWaters of Bonifay, Florida, Amanda Commander (Seth) of Enterprise, Alabama, AnnaKate and Austin Tomlinson of Byron, Georgia; five great-grandchildren, Allyssah and Wayne McWaters, Scarlett McWaters, Matthew McWaters, J. D. Commander and another great-grandson expected March 2026. A special niece, MarkAnn Stanford with many other nieces and nephews.
Mrs. Tomlinson has lived in Dothan, Alabama since 1962. She was employed at the Houston County Health Department as a Registered Nurse until retirement in 1995. Barbara was a devoted active member of Ridgecrest Baptist Church.
The family would like to thank all the ladies in the Encouragers Class for all their love, visits, and calls during Barbara’s illness. Also, thank you to the wonderful care and support from the DaySpring Hospice and Palliative Care Staff. A special thanks to each of the ladies who sat with mother and loved her during their time spent with her each day.
Funeral services will be held at 2 PM, Saturday, November 15, 2025 from the chapel of Ward Wilson Funeral Home in Dothan, Alabama with Reverend Tim Willis officiating. Graveside service will follow in Memory Hill Cemetery with Ward Wilson Funeral Home directing. The family will receive friends from 1 PM until 2 PM, prior to the service at the funeral home.
Serving as pallbearers will be her grandsons, Ben McWaters, Jonathan McWaters, Allen McWaters, Wayne McWaters, Austin Tomlinson, and Seth Commander.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested contributions to DaySpring Hospice and Palliative Care, 2464 West Main Street Ste 2 Dothan, Alabama 36301; Wiregrass Angel House, 105 North Bell Street, Dothan, Alabama 36303; or Wiregrass Area Food Bank, 382 Twitchell Road, Dothan, Alabama 36303.
