Barbara George (Bolivar)'s Obituary
Barbara Ann (Hammons) George, daughter, wife, mother, grandmother-Gigi, teacher, friend, but most of all, faithful servant of God, at age 72, went to be with her heavenly father, on May 5th, 2024, in the comfort of her home, surrounded by her loving family.
Barbara was born in Humansville, Missouri, on September 24, 1951, to William Oliver and Ida Leona (Yazel) Hammons. She graduated from Fair Play High School in 1969. She then went on to graduate with a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education from Southwest Baptist University.
In late 1970, she met the love of her life, Ronald J. George Sr. and after just 3 months of dating, they were married on April 16th, 1971. After marriage, they moved to California for a brief time, but quickly returned back to Missouri to be near their family. On May 10th, 1972, they were blessed with the birth of their only child, Ronald J. George Jr. Ron and Barbara shared 53 years and 19 wonderful days together.
While Barbara’s most loved occupation was that of a music teacher, she also had various jobs before obtaining her music degree. Some of her favorites included, secretary to Dr. Bernard Finch, M.D. and for several years, she was the coordinator for Dr. Jack Stanton, who was the Director of the International Institute of Evangelism at Southwest Baptist University.
After college graduation, she was the choir and band instructor for her alma mater, Fair Play High School. Achieving a record number of 1st place trophies for marching band, exemplary ratings for concert band, choir, instrumental, vocal solo and ensemble contests.
One year bringing home an astounding 45 exemplary ratings from district and state contests. Though she started her teaching career at Fair Play, Barbara also taught choir and band at Hermitage High School, Humansville High School and then returning to Fair Play where she retired in 2003 to fill her most prized position of all as Gigi, to help baby sit her first grandchild, Trey and then Preston, a few years later. She came out of retirement in 2012, when she was asked to fill the accompanist roll at Bolivar Schools. She accompanied all choirs in daily class time, concerts and contests until fully retiring in 2017.
While she retired from accompanying the choirs every day, she still continued to accompany students at district and state music contests right up through March of this year, being able to accompany several students achieving exemplary ratings at districts, including her grandson Preston. However, she was unable to accompany those students at state just a few weeks ago.
Barbara was saved at an early age and never left the church. At age 12 she became the pianist of Fair Play Baptist church where her father Bill, was the music leader. In the late 70’s Barbara and her husband formed a gospel quartet with 2 other ladies from their church, Anna Lee Lower and Carol Batson. “Ron & The Golden Tones”, as they were called, traveled on weekends for many years sharing the gospel through their musical talents at churches, festivals, Branson theaters and more. Even providing the radio jingle in the mid 80’s, for Montgomery GMC in Springfield, Missouri. When one of the members left the group, in the late 80’s, Ron Jr. filled the position as lead vocalist. The group’s last time on stage together was at Noble Hill Baptist Church, just a few years ago.
Barbara was choir director for several churches through the years, until she came full circle, and came back to Fair Play Baptist and led the choir for many years. She left there in 2012 to serve on the “George Family Worship Team” at Noble Hill Baptist church, alongside her son, Ron Jr., her daughter-in-law Jennie and her 2 grandsons, Trey and Preston. Her last time with the worship team was on Easter Sunday, just a few weeks ago.
While Barbara is probably best known for her talent of playing the piano, she also enjoyed traveling with her family and friends. Despite her tremendous fear of water, ironically enough, her favorite place to be was the ocean. She loved visiting her and Ron Sr. 's lifelong friends in California, Charlie Daniels and his wife Shirley, and making trips to the coast together.
Through the years, Barbara has touched many lives. She was able to share her gift of music and help others to hone their musical skills, including, being Ron Jr.'s high school music teacher, piano teacher to her daughter-in-law, both grandson’s and giving private lessons over the years, in vocal and almost any instrument you can think of.
She is preceded in death by her parents.
Barbara is survived by her husband, Ronald J. George Sr. of the home. Her son, Ronald J. George Jr. and wife Jennie, of Bolivar, Missouri. Grandson, Ronald J. George III (Trey) and his wife Emily of Ozark, Missouri. Grandson Preston Allen George of Bolivar. One brother Bill Hammons and wife Margie of Salem, Missouri. One nephew Jerry Lee Hammons and wife Angie of Salem, Missouri. One niece, Mikki Raulston and husband Chris of Salem, Missouri. And a host of cousins and friends.
Funeral services with Barbara will be held at 12:00 PM on Saturday, May 11, 2024, at Noble Hill Baptist Church.
A visitation will be held one hour prior to the service on Saturday from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Burial will follow at Greenwood Cemetery in Bolivar.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to CMH Hospice.
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