Beverly Joiner Barton

Beverly was born on March 21, 1933, in Chicago, Illinois. As a child, she moved with her family to New Orleans and later to Fort Worth, Texas. She eventually settled in Atlanta, Georgia, where she graduated from Christ the King High School.

She attended the University of Georgia for a time before returning home when her father became ill. She later enrolled at Oglethorpe University in Atlanta, where she earned her degree in education and began her career as a schoolteacher. It was during this time that she met the love of her life, William T. (“Bob”) Barton.

They were married in 1956 in Atlanta and soon moved to Charlotte, North Carolina, where they began raising their family with the births of Tom and Mary. The family later relocated to West Covina, California, where Betsy, David, and Danny were born.

After ten wonderful years on the West Coast, Beverly and Bob moved to Colts Neck, New Jersey. While raising five children—often while Bob traveled for work—Bev became deeply involved in her community. She volunteered with the League of Women Voters and Meals on Wheels and was active in youth education and sports. She served as president of the Colts Neck School Board, played a key role in the Colts Neck Sports Foundation, and was an active member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church.

Bev rarely missed one of her children’s ball games, meets, or music events, enthusiastically supporting their activities. She was also renowned as the official scorekeeper for hundreds of baseball games. At home and at family reunions, she was a formidable Scrabble player, her quick wit and love of language making her a frequent family champion.

After 20 years in New Jersey, Bev and Bob returned south, living for a time in Fairview, North Carolina, before ultimately retiring in the mountains of Dahlonega, Georgia. During this time, Bev remained active in her community, volunteering as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA), working as a census worker, and participating in local civic and political efforts. They enjoyed life “on the river” in Dahlonega for 17 years.

Throughout Bob’s career, Bev also traveled extensively, visiting Germany, France, England, Spain, Singapore, and Hong Kong. While Bob worked during the day, she often set out on her own, exploring cities and immersing herself in the culture.

She also loved the ocean and the beach; some of the fondest family memories are of her piling the kids into the car and heading to the Jersey Shore, and cruising with her sisters.

Bev loved the theater, music, and the arts. She had a lifelong love of literature and was an avid reader with a deep curiosity about the world—always eager to share books or clip articles to spark conversation. Gifted with a keen intellect, she cared deeply about equality and justice, especially for women and children, and wasn’t afraid to speak her mind while still seeking common ground.

Above all, she was a devoted wife, loving mother, and proud grandmother, sharing her wisdom, curiosity, and grace with her family.

Bev is survived by her beloved husband of nearly 70 years, Bob; her children: Tom and his wife, Carla, of New York; Mary Shaw of California; Betsy Gurske and her husband, John, of North Carolina; David and his wife, Joann, of Colorado; and Danny and his wife, Cheri, of Florida; as well as 12 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren.

She will be remembered for her warmth, intelligence, humor, and boundless energy. Family was at the center of her life, and she took great pride in the love she gave and received.

A service to celebrate her life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you honor her memory by spending time with loved ones, extending kindness to others, and considering a donation to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.