Barbara Rhodes Oakley

Mrs. Barbara Ann Rhodes Oakley passed away on Thursday, September 10, 2026, in Griffin, Georgia, at the age of 94.

Barbara was born on September 28, 1931, in Wilkes County, Georgia, on the family homeplace, the daughter of the late Albert S. and Lunelle Beard Rhodes. She grew up in the Beulah Community, literally feet from the Lincoln County line, and that place remained dear to her heart throughout her life. Beulah was always home to her, and the values she learned there shaped the faith-filled, kind woman she became.

As a child, Barbara attended Beulah Baptist Church, where she joined at a young age and remained grounded in her faith for the rest of her life. She attended Tignall High School and lettered in basketball, a source of great pride for her. She was especially proud of her association with the girls basketball team that dominated their class during that era. Barbara graduated from high school as World War II was ending, and she carried forward the resilience and determination of her generation.

In her younger years, Barbara worked as a teller for Farmers and Merchants Bank. After moving near Atlanta in the 1950s, she continued her career in banking at First National Bank in Forest Park. Later, in her 40s, she pursued a new path and became a licensed beautician. She owned and operated Hair Designs near Forest Park for 12 years, where she served her clients with skill, warmth, and care.

Barbara was a devoted member of Berea Christian Church in Hampton for more than 25 years and attended faithfully until her health failed.

Barbara found joy in the simple and meaningful things in life. She loved sewing, cooking, baking, and canning, and she took pride in caring for others through the meals and gifts she prepared. Even while on hospice during her final week, she was planning to make a poppy seed chicken and was instructing her daughters on the recipe. That moment reflected so much of who she was, because she remained thoughtful, engaged, and loving to the very end. She also enjoyed putting puzzles together and was a competitive player of Scrabble, bingo, and dominoes. She enjoyed good company, friendly competition, and the laughter that often came with both. She was proud that she was a 41 year cancer survivor.

Barbara was known for welcoming people into her home and doing whatever she could for others. As the years passed, her circle of friends did not grow smaller, but larger, even after she moved into assisted living a year and a half ago. People were drawn to her warmth, her gracious spirit and generous heart.

She is survived by her daughters, Suzanne Gatlin and husband Randy of Griffin, Dawn Moore of Washington; brothers, Ed Rhodes and wife Edna of Tignall and William Rhodes of Monroe; sisters-in-law, Doris Rhodes and Carolyn Rhodes; grandchildren, Rachel Estes and husband James, Jay Gatlin and wife Anna, Parker Moore and wife Haley, Joey Darracott and Steven Darracott and Jeff Guynn; great- grandchildren, Jude Estes, Jena Estes, Jacob Estes, Jolee Estes, Pierce Moore, Taylor Moore, Grant Moore, and Oaklee Gatlin. She was preceded in death by her husband R.C. Oakley, son, Robert Darracott, grandson, Jackson Moore and siblings, John Thomas "Bubba" Rhodes, Albert Rhodes, Jr., Sara Frances Henderson, Patricia Mack, Robert Sanders “Bo” Rhodes and Betty Reese.

Funeral services will be held on Sunday, September 13, 2026 at 2:30pm at Beulah Baptist Church with Rev. Brian Henderson officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends on Sunday from 1:30pm until the hour of the service in the church sanctuary.

Beggs Funeral Home, Lincolnton is honored to serve the family of Mrs. Barbara Rhodes Oakley.