Barbara McTyiere Crysel

Barbara McTyiere Hallman Crysel passed away peacefully on January 5, 2024, after a brief illness. Barbara was born on November 14, 1942 in Montgomery, Alabama. She graduated from Lee High School in 1960. After a number of years spent raising her two children, Barbara went on to earn a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and a Master’s degree in Psychology, while working full time and continuing to be a dedicated and loving mother to her children.

Barbara served early in her career as the Associate Dean of Student Life at Huntingdon College. As Project Coordinator of the Montgomery Area Family Violence Project in the Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office, she was instrumental in successfully lobbying the legislature to pass a bill that created and funded domestic abuse shelters across the state. Barbara later became a Licensed Marriage and Family Counselor and served her community for more than 20 years in her private counseling practice in Montgomery.

Barbara served on numerous boards over the years, including as a charter member of the Citizens’ Advisory Board to the Montgomery County Family Court, and the Board of Directors of the Lighthouse Counseling Center. She was a passionate advocate for the disenfranchised in her community throughout her life.

Barbara was a loving mother and friend, beloved by her children, grandchildren, family and friends. She loved her community and the many close friendships she developed over the years. She was especially passionate about arts and the theater, and she acted in numerous Montgomery Little Theater summer productions over the years, including Oklahoma!, My Fair Lady, Peter Pan, and Gypsy. She loved cooking, gardening and maintaining her numerous rose bushes, and enjoyed attending meetings of the local rose society. She also loved her pets over the years, including Gracie, her energetic white Shih-Tzu who was her faithful companion for almost 20 years late in her life.

Barbara is survived by her son, Bradley Alan Crysel, daughter-in-law Dr. Heather Lucille Naiman Crysel, her daughter Amy McTyiere Crysel, son-in-law Nathan James Saxe, three grandchildren, Caitlin Grace Crysel, Madison Hope Crysel, and Greta McTyiere Saxe, her sister Frances Hallman Watts, brother-in law Ted B. Watts, and sister Marjorie Hallman Mallard, and former husband James Lemuel Crysel. She is preceded in death by her mother Marjorie Gentry Hallman, and her father Col. William Elliot Hallman.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the First United Methodist Church Respite Ministry at 2416 W. Cloverdale Park, Montgomery, Alabama 36106.

A memorial service celebrating Barbara’s life will be held at First United Methodist Church in the Spring in the church garden, one of her favorite places.