Barbara Douglass Vandiver, 89, of Monrovia, Alabama, passed away peacefully at Huntsville Hospital on May 3, 2018, with her family by her side.
She is the daughter of the late Erle and Evelyn Douglass. She is survived by her husband of 63 years, Jack Vandiver; her two children, John Vandiver (Beth) and Phil Vandiver (Becky) of Monrovia. She is blessed with five grandchildren, Lauren, Taylor (Drake), Bryan (Katie), Keith, and Tori, and many nieces and nephews.
Barbara (Bobbie) Vandiver was born at Huntsville Hospital on April 30, 1929. Bobbie was a 1947 graduate of Huntsville High School. Upon graduation she attended Howard College (now Samford University) where she earned a Bachelor of Education degree. She was a teacher for Madison County and Madison City schools until her retirement in 1993.
Anyone who knew Bobbie, knew she loved her Lord and lived her life as a testament to her faith. She was baptized into Mount Zion Baptist Church on August 20, 1939 and remained an active member of her church community throughout her life. Her involvement included teaching Sunday school, singing in the sanctuary choir for 65 years, serving as WMU Director for 10 years, leading children’s choir, and serving in various other capacities within the church.
Although Bobbie’s first love was her faith, a sure second was her husband and family. Bobbie married John W. (Jack) Vandiver on June 26, 1954 and settled in Monrovia. They operated a farm, raised a family, and served on many civic organizations and boards. Through her active years of community service, she developed lifelong friendships that she cherished. She was a dear friend to many and valued connecting people and investing in the lives of others.
A celebration of her life will be held on Sunday, May 6, 2018, at Mount Zion Baptist Church. The family will receive visitors from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. in the sanctuary. A funeral service will follow at 3:00 p.m. officiated by Brother Ernest Hill and Brother Terry Slay. Burial will be in Mount Zion Cemetery following the service. Pallbearers are: Tom Birchfield, Charles David Hightower, Eddie Landers, Ben Matthews, Billy Pettus, Rusty Skinner, Sam Thomason, David Thorpe, and Frank Vandiver.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Mount Zion’s Lottie Moon offering for international missions in memory of Barbara Vandiver, or to the Mount Zion Cemetery Fund. (Mount Zion Baptist Church, 228 Mount Zion Road, Huntsville, Alabama, 35806)
