Ollie Barrow

December 12, 1950 — June 11, 2017

Ollie Mae Gay Barrow

Hephzibah, GA – Ollie Mae Gay Barrow, 66, loving wife of 50 years to the late John Carter Barrow, entered into her eternal rest Sunday evening, June 11, 2017 at her brother’s residence in Lincoln County. Funeral services will be held in the James Funeral Home Chapel at 7:30 P.M. Thursday evening, June 15, 2017 with Pastor Kellie Cardona officiating. Interment will be at 1:00 P.M. Friday afternoon, June 16, 2017, in the Mt. Horeb Baptist Church Cemetery.

One of eleven children born to the late Ethel Mae Newman Gay and the late Lamar Isaac Gay, Ollie was born and raised in the Louisville area and has always lived in Burke, Richmond or Jefferson counties. At the young age of 16, she married the love of her life, dying on their 50th wedding anniversary and joining him in eternity just four days after his passing on June 7th.

Ollie worked in housekeeping at Gracewood Hospital, a position she loved but had to quit after becoming allergic to chemicals in most cleaning products, colognes, perfumes, air fresheners, etc. She then focused her attention on making a home for her family and, during tax season, filing personal tax returns for family and friends. She had a heart for helping and serving others, volunteering at soup kitchens and, during the Christmas season, making sure every child received a present under the tree. Her angel collection was a source of pleasure and pride. Her tiny, petite frame housed a woman with a straight-forward, pragmatic attitude and a big, generous heart. Her greatest pleasure in life was spending time with her family, especially her great granddaughter who provided much laughter and joy.

Ollie is also preceded in death by her son, John Carter Barrow, Jr.; and her siblings, Margaret Green, Rosemary Hooks, Mollie Hinson (her twin), Betty Clayton, Gus Gay, Jimmie Gay, Burton Gay and Lorene Oglesby. Survivors include in her son, John C. Barrow III (Lori); siblings, Ricky Gay (Joan) and Dianne Fitzgerald; two grandchildren, Stephanie Marie Landers and James Coleman (Amy); one great granddaughter, Galeah Miller; and a host of nieces, nephews and friends. Serving as pallbearers will be Adam Clyburn, Ronnie Fuller, Michael Jones Jr., Sean Malenfant, J.L. Norris and Steve Pendry.

The family will receive friends at James Funeral Home from 4:30 – 7:30 P.M. Thursday evening, June 15, 2017 prior to the services.

Because of the unexpected nature of their loss, the family respectfully requests that in lieu of flowers memorial contributions be made directly to James Funeral Home, P.O. Box 588, Wrens GA 30833.

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To Those Whom I Love

When I am gone, release me—let me go.

I have so many things to see and do.

You must not tie yourself to me with tears;

Be happy that I have had so many years.

I gave you my love, you can only guess

How much you gave me in happiness.

I thank you for the love each have shown

But now it is time I traveled on alone.

So grieve a while for me, if grieve you must,

Then let your grief be comforted by trust.

It is only for a while that we must part

So cherish the memories in your heart.

I will not be far away, for life goes on.

So, if you need me, call and I will come.

Though you cannot see or touch me, I will be near.

And if you listen with your heart, you will hear

All of my love around you soft and clear.

Then, when you must come this way alone,

I will greet you with a smile and a “Welcome Home”.

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Ollie Barrow

December 12, 1950 — June 11, 2017

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