A tour-de-force of a woman, Barbara Kitchens, age 82, stepped in to the arms of Jesus on March 17, 2026.
Barbara was a devoted servant of Christ, wife, mother, nana, and profound woman of influence. She was married to John Paul Kitchens Sr., pastor of Covin Baptist Church, for 65 years. She was a proud member and Sunday school teacher at Covin Baptist Church, where she led beside her husband for over twenty years.
Barbara was a gifted seamstress, known for her cutting-edge techniques, eye for style, and ability to design and create an outfit at a moments notice. She was the ultimate Do-It-Yourself woman, where no task was too big or small for her to tackle. She was a patron of the arts, an avid gardener, and entered every room making an impression. Her love for Jesus Christ and people are the foundation of her family, ministry, and legacy. Barbara lived her faith and testimony every day and met every person with a wink, a smile, and a sassy quip. Her love and humor will continue to live through her family and friends.
Barbara is survived by her husband of 65 years, John Paul Kitchens Sr., her sister, Julia Gooch (Dennis), her children, Rhonda Mordecai, John Paul Kitchens Jr.(Michelle), Karen Easterling (Kenyon), and a host of grandchildren whom she adored: Chance Mordecai (Luiza), Chandler Mordecai, Crawford Easterling, Campbell Easterling, Mary Elizabeth Dial (Brian), Victoria Ferguson, and Jon Alex Kitchens.
She was welcomed in Heaven by her parents, Andrew and Marie Flynn, her mother and father-in-law, Hershel and Raye Kitchens, and her sister, Betty Flynn.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, March 21, 2026 at 2:00pm at Covin Baptist Church, 432 Woodland Hills Circle, Fayette, AL 35555. The family requests attendees wear bright colors to honor Barbara’s vibrant spirit and personality. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in her name to the Winfield Public Library, 185 Ashwood Drive, Winfield, AL 35594, or to Covin Baptist Church to honor her love for literacy, learning, and her faith.
