Barbara P. Drinkard

Barbara was born on October 27, 1948 in Mobile, Alabama, and she grew up in Woodstock, Georgia. She was a graduate of Cherokee High School and the University of Georgia. She also completed her Master’s Degree in Counseling at Georgia State University.

While growing up in Woodstock, she met Dean Drinkard where they became close friends. After years of friendship, they married on June 29, 1985. Barbara was a middle school counselor and retired after giving birth to their first daughter.

Barbara was an active member of Canterbury United Methodist Church. She was passionate about encouraging and helping others through the Stephen Minister Program.

She deeply loved her family. From golf with her husband to tennis with her daughters to activities with her grandsons, Barbara always gave fully of herself and her time. She treasured weekends at the lake with her husband, children, grandchildren, and dog.

Her dedication to and love of serving others was evident in everything she did. She connected with people of all walks of life and made many dear friends through each life season. Her family and friends will remember Barbara’s infectious laugh, playful and encouraging spirit, and faithfulness to Christ. Her love for others knew no boundaries.

In joy and in suffering, Barbara’s positive outlook on life remained steadfast because she knew Whose she was, and she confidently met each day with that knowledge and faith.

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, Mr. and Mrs. George O’Neal Parr (Sally). She is survived by her husband, William Dean Drinkard, her children, Dawson Drinkard Cooper (Wil) and Brooke Kathleen Drinkard. She is also survived by her three precious grandchildren, Wiley Burton Cooper, Howard Parr Cooper, and Maxwell Dawson Cooper, her soul sister Gena Rothermel (Charlie), her brothers-in-law Frank Wesley Drinkard (Chita) and James Linton Drinkard (Maria), and crazy dog Daisy.

The family extends a special thank you to Dr. Allen Yeilding and his incredible and caring team at HOAA as well as her team at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas.

A memorial service will be held in Birmingham, Alabama on Friday, May 6 at 2:00 p.m. at Canterbury United Methodist Church. The family will receive friends at the church at 1:00 p.m.. A graveside service will be held in Woodstock, Georgia on Saturday, May 7 at 1:00 p.m. (EST) at Dawson Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions be made to the Stephen Minister Program at Canterbury United Methodist Church or to MD Anderson Cancer Center.

Arrangements under the direction of Ridout's Valley Chapel, Homewood, AL.