Ms. Barbara Louise Leigh Shirley of Hartford, Alabama passed away on Monday, February 16, 2026, in Flowers Hospital. She was 82 years old.
Barbara was a faithful member of Hartford Methodist Church and a cherished member of The Red Hat Society. She was a loving mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, known for her kind heart and caring spirit. She never hesitated to help—whether it meant giving someone a ride, gathering magazines for shut-ins, or lifting spirits with her bright personality and warm smile. It was once said that Barbara did what people are meant to do for others, but too often don’t, and that truth perfectly reflects who she was. Her family finds comfort and peace in knowing she has received her heavenly reward.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, February 19, 2026, at Bottoms Garden Chapel Funeral Home in Hartford with Rev. Drik WIlliford officiating. Burial will follow in Hartford City Cemetery under the direction of Shelby Lett of Bottoms Garden Chapel Funeral Home. The family will receive friends beginning at 9:00 a.m. until service time.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Juanita Mayhair and Omar Leigh; stepfather, Earl Moore; husband, Bobby Ray Shirley, Sr.; son, Bobby Shirley, Jr.; grandson, Christopher Ray Shirley; and brother, Donald Leigh
Survivors include two daughters, Sandra Holland (Aaron) of Vance, Alabama and Ronda Barnes (Greg) of Slocomb, Alabama; one son, Johnny Shirley (Martha) of Headland, Alabama; sister, Venita Horton of Fayetteville, Arkansas; grandchildren, Brandon Holland, Marie Holland, Abby Holland, Kendall Holland, Dillion Lunsford, Drake Lunsford, Dalton Barnes, and Donavon Barnes; several great grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
