Louise Smith Barge

Louise Barge, a vibrant, spirited, and proud Southern Baptist lady, passed away after living a life filled with remarkable professional achievements and the love of music and dance. Married to her beloved husband Joseph W. "JW" Barge for 59 years until his passing in 2009, she was known for her independence, strong personality, and zest for life.

A trailblazer from her youth, Louise owned her own car as a teenager and was not afraid to take the lead – famously picking up her future husband on their first date. Her love for dancing was legendary, with countless memories of her and JW dancing together in their living room.

Professionally, Louise had an impressive career spanning multiple sectors. She worked at Chrysler Space Division in the 1960s, the California Teacher's Association in San Francisco, and retired as a judicial secretary for the Honorable Judge Wheeler at Dekalb County Juvenile Court.

Her passion for performance shone through her involvement with Sweet Adeline's barbershop chorus and Georgia Connection, where she won numerous awards. She and her husband were also avid square dancers, cloggers, participating in competitions and national conventions. She enjoyed ball room dancing with her husband and they were members of The Society of the Preservation of Big Bands.

Louise was a talented seamstress making costumes for her children for Halloween and other special events.

She was always doing something crafty and loved to sparkle and dress up.

Louise remained active and adventurous throughout her life, a member of The Georgia Classic Club for 20 years, participating in Toastmasters, taking viola and tap lessons well into her 60s, and maintaining an active lifestyle in her senior years.

A lover of life's simple pleasures, she enjoyed banana splits and strawberry shortcake with extra whipped cream. Her vivacious spirit, love of performance, and independent nature will be remembered by all who knew her.

She is survived by her daughter Joy Barge, grandsons, Nigel Kirkland and Cain Maxwell and nephew Mike Shaw.