Barbara Lay Shirah was born in 1938 in Geneva County, Alabama, and graduated from Coffee Springs High School in 1956. She shared 56 years of marriage with the late Ben Shirah, and together they raised three daughters in Coffee Springs.

Barbara’s family has grown to include five grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild, all of whom have brought her great joy.

She devoted more than 30 years to civil service and later served Coffee Springs as Town Clerk and Mayor. Barbara was also a faithful and active member of First Baptist Church of Coffee Springs for more than 50 years.

Before dementia began taking much of her memory, Barbara enjoyed quilting, crossword puzzles, and jigsaw puzzles. Although this disease has taken away many of her memories, it has not taken away her wonderful sense of humor or her ability to enjoy each moment. She continues to find joy in the people around her, especially her family, and has a way of making others smile and laugh.