Barbara Ann Ballard

Barbara Ann Ballard was born on November 22, 1945, in Canton, Mississippi, to the late Rosie C. Handy and Newton Alfred Handy, Jr. She departed this earthly life in Nashville, Tennessee.

At an early age, Barbara accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior and was baptized at Asbury Methodist Church in Canton, Mississippi. Her faith remained an important foundation throughout her life.

Barbara received her education in the Canton Public School System and graduated from Rogers High School in Canton, Mississippi. Following graduation, she relocated to Nashville, Tennessee, to pursue higher education at Tennessee State University. It was there that she met the love of her life, Clifford Ballard.

Barbara and Clifford were united in holy matrimony on August 22, 1966. Together they built a loving home in Nashville, Tennessee, sharing a beautiful marriage that spanned 54 years until Clifford's passing. Their life together was marked by dedication, companionship, and unwavering love.

Barbara dedicated 29 years of faithful service to UPS before retiring. She took considerable pride in her career and the relationships she built throughout those years. Retirement afforded her the opportunity to enjoy life's simple pleasures: reading, watching her favorite television programs, and spending time talking with family members, lifelong friends, and loved ones. She cherished those moments and valued the many relationships she maintained throughout her life.

Cherished Memories

Barbara was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Clifford Ballard; her parents, Rosie C. Handy and Newton Alfred Handy, Jr.; her brothers, Newton Handy III (Betty), Levon Handy, Sr. (Eunice), Ruben Handy (Joann); and her sister, Overia Handy.

She leaves to cherish her precious memory her beloved stepson, Christopher L. Ballard; her cherished grandchildren, Chloe' Ballard, Caden Ballard, and Makiyah Swinger; and a large and loving family of nieces and nephews: Mildred Cenobia, Alvin, George (Linda), Bobby Lee, Larry, Debby, Larrie, Loraine, Lesa, Sam, Antonio, Karenthia, Aisha, Lucy, Burce, Ladonna, Kathy, Janice, and Eugene. She was also preceded in death by her nieces and nephews Newton Handy IV, Willie Lee, Betty Jo, and Ruben, Jr.

Barbara also leaves to cherish her memory a host of brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, extended family members, and dear friends. The family would also like to recognize her longtime classmate and dear friend, Connie Dixon of Canton, Mississippi.

Barbara's quiet strength, faithful spirit, and enduring love for her family will forever be remembered. Although she is no longer with us in body, her legacy lives on through the memories she created, the lives she touched, and the love she so generously shared.