Barbara Martin Adair was born in Borger, Texas, on June 6, 1936. Her parents were Vernon and Mattie Martin, who lived in several places in Texas. Barbara’s dad was a county agent and a 4-H sponsor. When Barbara was in high school, her family moved to Cooper, Texas. There, she met and married the love of her life, John Ed Adair, on June 15, 1956.
Barbara attended Baylor University for two years before she married. But when John received his wings, they were off to the U.S. Air Force, where John served as a pilot for four years. John and Barbara moved to the Dallas area in 1960. There, they enjoyed a happy life and established many lifelong friends with their three children. Much of their lives revolved around their church. Barbara served as a church pianist or organist from the age of 10 and continued this at First Baptist Church Garland until their next move to Atlanta, Ga., in 1974.
A lifelong and proud Texan, Barbara quickly fell in love with Georgia. She and her family found a wonderful church home at Second-Ponce de Leon Baptist Church. Their family flourished and grew. Barbara was a wonderful wife and mother, and she sacrificed and worked hard for her family. She taught piano lessons, as she had done for many years, and continued to play the organ at Brookhaven Baptist Church and Sandy Springs Christian Church.
Barbara was active in the Peach State Depression Glass Club and loved collecting Depression Glass and elegant glassware. She eventually became an antique dealer and had a sharp eye for finding great deals at estate sales, garage sales and flea markets.
At the age of 50, Barbara returned to higher education. She completed a degree in English and History at Oglethorpe University.
Barbara and John loved to travel. They went on 30 cruises as well as several trips to Mexico, Europe, Egypt and the Holy Land.
Barbara enjoyed her role as a grandmother. Her grandchildren knew her as Deedie, and she loved being with them and spoiling them. She sent them encouraging letters, gave great advice and loved taking them shopping. One of her greatest joys was being surrounded by her entire family on her and John’s 50th and 60th wedding anniversary parties on a Caribbean cruise and at Maggiano’s Italian Restaurant.
In 2001, Barbara and John joined Johnson Ferry Baptist Church. They discovered a whole new host of friends and became involved in many ministries of the church. Their church family has been a great source of encouragement and support.
Barbara is survived by John, her faithful husband of 63 years; as well as her children Debbie Hightower, Julie Ashburn and John M. Adair and their spouses. She is also survived by her nine grandchildren and their spouses and a great-grandson.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to global missions ministry at Johnson Ferry Baptist Church, Wright from the Heart ministry or the Chaplain Ministries at Campbell-Stone Christian Centers Inc.
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