Barbara Ann Engle

Barbara Ann Engle was born July 28, 1936 in Louisville, Kentucky. Daughter to Delbert and Ann Davis, and beloved sister to Dorothy Mock, Barbara grew up in what she hallowed to always be her “Old Kentucky Home”. It was there in Louisville where she met the love of her life, Bob Engle. In 1955 the two were married. Soon to follow were four daughters, Terri Smith (Roy), Laura Schrader (Stan), Lisa Escobar and Sandi Bell (Davis).

Barbara, along with colleague and dear friend, Ruth Williams, founded and opened Magic Land Kindergarten. For 12 years, this dynamic duo impacted countless numbers of children in small-town Madison, Georgia, a community known for its beautiful homes and Southern charm. “Miss Barbara” had a special way of engaging others through music and song, and her treasured kindergarteners were no exception.

Barbara was a forerunner early on, namely in scores of activities centering around her daughters. Active in her church, Barbara, her husband Bob, along with a small group of devoted families were instrumental in establishing St. James Catholic Church, where she was organist for more than forty years. Barbara took great joy and pride in her work at the Madison Morgan Cultural Center for over a decade. She also enjoyed the company of lifelong friends for over 50 years in her local bridge club.

Barbara and Bob cherished their lives, family, community and shared memories in Historic Madison, a place they called home since 1965. It was here they literally painted the town while walking downtown through Main Street. They could be seen together jogging around the block and playing hour upon hour of tennis on the courts along Park Lane. Their love and competitiveness of sports brought them their share of accolades, but it was Barbara’s love for her family and husband of over 62 years that mattered the most. Mother to four daughters, Sister to her ‘favorite’ sister, Grandmother to eight Grandsons, Christian Escobar, Bobby Smith (Melissa), Jason Smith (Ciarra), Nick Smith (Katey), Parker Schrader, Robert Schrader, Brett Bell (Megan) and Bob Bell (Rachael) and Great Grandmother to three, Wiler Smith, Lundy Smith, and Bren Bell. She was also loved by a host of nieces and nephews. These were her proudest titles and banners she held high. Barbara will always be remembered for her charismatic and fun-loving ways which she shared with all of those who knew and loved her.

A private funeral and Mass will be held for immediate family at St. James Catholic Church in Madison. We are honored to have A.E. Carter Funeral Home in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. James Catholic Church.

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