Barbara Gantt Obituary

Services will be 2:00 PM Saturday, July 12, 2025 at St' Luke AME Church, 143 James Street, Forsyth. Rev. Mark Pierson is the pastor and Rev. Charles Dumas Sr. is the eulogist. Burial in Rest Haven Cemetery, 525 Hwy. 83 South, Forsyth, GA. service is scheduled to be Streamed Live on our Facebook page.
Public viewing will be Friday, July 11, 2025 from 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM. Keep the family in prayer.
Miss Barbara Jean Gantt was born in Atlanta, Georgia on October 27, 1945, to the parentage of the late John Oliver Gantt, Sr. and Lollie Dillard Gantt. She was the second of ten children. Her demise came in the early morning hours of July 4, 2025. She was predeceased by her siblings Tonia Gantt Mays, Juanita Gantt Appling, Keitha Gantt, and brothers-in-law Walter Mays and Arthur Jackson.
"Barb" as she was affectionally known, attended the public schools of Monroe County and graduated from The Hubbard High School in 1963. She participated in several school clubs and related activities including her love of being a Hubbard High Tiger majorette.
Barb attended Spelman College in Atlanta, Georgia and graduated with a BS degree in Social Studies. She later attended the University of Georgia in Athens where she earned MS degrees in Social Studies and Counseling and Guidance. Barb's love for education was her heart. She started her career in education as a teacher in South Carolina for two years. From there, she returned to the Monroe County School System and remained for twenty-eight years. During her time in Monroe County, Barb molded the minds of many students. She wanted to make sure they were prepared for their life choices. Her concern for students went beyond the classroom. She provided financial support, prepared care packages, and assisted with college entrance applications just to name a few.
Barb was affiliated with the Black Coalition of Women, Inc. as a charter member. She provided extensive assistance to its founder, her classmate and dear friend, the late Rita Samuels. She was a member of the Monroe County Retired Teachers Association, Georgia Retired Educators Association, and Hubbard Alumni Association.
She was christened in the St. Luke AME Church and later joined as an official member. She was a very active youth, and her love of Sunday School set her on the path of being a Sunday School and Vacation Bible School teacher, Easter Program Coordinator, and all other youth department activities. She also served as a Missionary and faithful supporter of the St. Luke AME Church.
Later, she became the primary care giver to assist her mom with her younger sisters. After her mom's passing, she devoted her life to the care and welfare of her younger siblings.
Barb's love of mankind led her to support numerous charities globally. She loved people and loved the idea of helping those who were less fortunate. Jesus instructed his followers to give freely and compassionately to the poor without boasting, Matthew 6:1-4.
Barb is survived by her siblings: Carolyn Jackson, John Oliver (Doris) Gantt, Jr., Cynthia Gantt and Angela Gantt all of Forsyth, GA, Harold W. (Patricia) Gantt of McDonough, GA, and Sidney (Winston) Kinsler of College Park, GA. Barb also leaves behind one uncle, David Sewell, Sr. of Forsyth, GA, a brother-in-law William Appling of Atlanta, GA, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
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