Barbara J. Fleharty, 83, of Columbus, Georgia, passed away peacefully on May 20, 2026. Born July 2, 1942, in Columbus, Georgia, Barbara was the daughter of the late Mary Luttrell Andrews and Robert Earl Andrews, Sr., and she remained a lifelong resident of the community she called home.
Throughout her life, Barbara worked for many years in various jobs around the Columbus area, meeting each season with steady diligence and a thoughtful spirit. Yet, the truest measure of her life’s work was found in the care she offered so faithfully to those she loved.
Barbara was a devoted wife to William W. Fleharty “Bill,” with whom she shared 20 plus years of loving marriage. Together, they built a life marked by commitment and companionship.
Barbara found joy in the beauty of everyday moments. She loved bird watching, especially Cardinals and hummingbirds, and took special pleasure in watching butterflies among the many flowers in her beautiful yard. With a gifted green thumb, she nurtured roses and was especially proud of her prized tomatoes.
Christian by faith, Barbara was a member of Morningside Baptist Church for most of her life. She was devoted to her church family, teaching Sunday School and participating in other church functions. Her faith was also expressed through music, as she especially loved playing spiritual hymns on the piano.
She and Bill enjoyed traveling and square dancing together with Follow Me Traveler’s Club. Barbara and Bill were members of The Springer Opera House where they enjoyed their usher duties. She enjoyed being on a bowling team, traveling to the beach at St. George Island, FL, fishing, and especially treasured playing cards with her sister and best friend, Sue. Family gatherings were held dear to Barbara during the holidays especially at meals with warm heartfelt devotion for family.
Barbara’s family would like to extend a warm and heartfelt gratitude to the staff of The Garden’s at Calvary for their loving support and compassion. Barbara cherished her time with her Garden’s at Calvary family, playing bingo, attending Bible Study, group activities and joining in Gospel Singing. She spent time sitting on her porch working crossword puzzles, and fellowshiping with those who passed by.
Barbara leaves her loving memory to be cherished by her children: Lisa Jones Boswell, Jerry “Bubba” Jones, Jr., and Debora Jones Williams; her stepchildren: Michael Fleharty (Amy) and Cindy F. Gossett (Donnie); her loving grandchildren who called her Granny, Foxy Grandma and GGB: Ryan A. Yancey (Jamie), Sam Beman (Sarah), Nick Beman (Layne), Joshua Beman, Andrew Gossett, Hailey Gossett Poston, Matthew McLendon (Jan), Brandon McLendon; her loving great-grandchildren: Rose Marie Yancey, Troy Poston, Layla Poston, Maylee McLendon, Aubrey McLendon, Everlee McLendon, Reagan Samson, Liberty Whaley, Alice Whaley, Jack Whaley, Gloria Beman, and Beatrice Beman; her sister and best friend, Sue Bohnak; and numerous nieces, nephews and other family members.
Barbara was preceded in death by, other than her parents, Mary and Robert; her husband, Bill; her sister, Fran Seigfred; her brother, Robert “Butch” Andrews, Jr., and the father of her children, Jerry F. Jones, Sr.
Visitation for Family and Friends will be held at Striffler-Hamby Mortuary, Fisher Chapel, 4071 Macon Rd, Columbus, Georgia 31907, on May 29, 2026, from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm.
A Celebration of Life Service for Barbara Fleharty will take place at Striffler-Hamby Mortuary, Fisher Chapel, 4071 Macon Rd, Columbus, Georgia 31907, on May 29, 2026, at 2:00 pm. A private burial will be in Parkhill Cemetery.
