Mrs. Barbara Whitfield Spradlin of Trussville, AL, passed away at the age of 69 on January 15, 2020. Barbara was born August 27, 1950 in Decatur, AL, to the late Bill and Barbara Whitfield. She was the strong and loving mother of two daughters with David Lewis; Jennifer Lewis Burks and Emily Lewis McDaniel, whom she loved dearly. She became “Gigi” in 2010 when her first granddaughter Ada Grace Burks was born. In 2017, she was blessed again with twin granddaughters Rosemary Anne and Amelia Grace McDaniel, who completed her loving circle of grandchildren.
Barbara married Alan Spradlin of Trussville, AL, in 2018, and he remained by her side every day as she fought her battle with breast cancer. Together they enjoyed traveling around the United States attending car shows and spending time by their pool, where Barbara could often be heard yelling, “Roll Tide!” at the television.
Barbara spent most of her life in Birmingham, AL, where she graduated from Ramsay High School in 1969. She cheered at Ramsay and later at Jefferson State Community College. She enjoyed a long career at the American Postal Workers Union where she continued to work as long as she was able.
With her upbeat nature, contagious laugh, and beautiful smile, Barbara was the life of the party! Her diagnosis and illness didn’t diminish her fun-loving spirit and her amazing sense of humor. When you were with Barbara, you were having fun. Her love for life and her easy ability to talk to anyone she met gave her a large and loving circle of friends.
Barbara found many of those dear friends at Asbury United Methodist Church where she was a member for 30 years. She loved her Bible study group there and one of her biggest regrets was not being physically able to travel with them to Israel in 2019. Her Christian life was as beautiful as the flowers that she loved so much, and her compassionate influence will forever remain in the lives of all who knew her.
Barbara’s beautiful life and spirit will forever be cherished by those who loved her; Husband, Alan Spradlin, Brother Billy (Jane) Whitfield. Daughters, Jennifer (Craig) Burks, Emily (Rob) McDaniel; Granddaughters: Ada Burks, Amelia and Rosemary McDaniel, and a host of loving nieces, cousins, and friends.
WORDS OF APPRECIATION
Our family wishes to convey our sincerest appreciation for your prayers and support during Barbara’s illness and passing. We have been so blessed with the love felt for Barbara, our Mother, Wife, Sister, Aunt, and Friend. We are incredibly thankful for the countless hours of caregiving support, love, and friendship. Above all, we are thankful for the gift of Barbara! To know her was to love her.
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