Barbara D. English

Barbara Decker English, born May 29, 1929 forever left all her earthly pains and burdens to peacefully join in eternal praise of God the Father on Saturday, November 11, 2023. After 94 ½ vibrant years, she spent only one night at Hospice of West Alabama. Predeceased on the same date ( Veterans Day) in 2007 was her husband of 60 years, Thomas P. English, whom she met on a blind date in Birmingham, AL where she was born and raised. After a long-distance courtship, she married Tom and joined him in Tuscaloosa where he attended the University of Alabama and apprenticed for Talley’s Seat Covers, later to own the automotive interiors shop on Greensboro Avenue. In Tuscaloosa they built their business, raised a family, and contributed to society. In addition to longtime membership at Circlewood Baptist Church, these two lovebirds enjoyed square-dancing before they discovered their love of tennis which became a passion for the whole family. They learned at Tuscaloosa Racquet Club then played tennis at Indian Hills and North River Yacht Club into their 70’s.

Undeniably, Barbara had a gift for making people feel welcomed. In the mid-1950’s she helped start the first Newcomers’ Club of Tuscaloosa. She cherished her involvement in the Tuscaloosa Garden Club, and enjoyed playing bridge. As a vocal and long-established member of her Sunday School class, she helped organize many social events. With an ever-generous spirit, Barbara seemed to have her notable cheese straws ready for any party and was quick with a casserole delivery or baked good donation to anyone whose spirits needed lifting. Over seventy years, in her neighborhoods of Elmira Drive, Woodland Hills, Idlewood, Ridgemont, then finally at Pine Valley and The Crossings of North River, Barbara was well-known for her hospitality and reliability as a kind and friendly neighbor. She also became known for her sharp wit and unfiltered observations, endearing and endured qualities she never lost. Continuing her legacy of generosity and community involvement are sons Tommy English (Sharon) and Mark English (Judy) all of Tuscaloosa; Grandchildren Kim English Daws (Tony) of St Louis, MO; Emily English of Orange Beach, AL, and Garrison English (Carmen) of Reno, NV, Preston Alexander of Tuscaloosa along with Great-Grandchildren Molly Kate, Paige, and Jack Daws and Harper and Liam English. Survived by her only brother, Don Decker of Sylacauga, AL, she was preceded in death by parents, Walter T and Rosina Haygood Decker of Greenville, AL. As the oldest person in her many social groups recently, Grandma Barbara was preceded in death by innumerable friends in Tuscaloosa and the state of Alabama. With her sincere interest in people, she honestly made new friends in every situation. The English family wishes to acknowledge and appreciate the immense impact of her community these last few years of her life: Staff and Neighbors at The Crossings at North River; Friends at Pine Valley; Members of the Ann Judson Sunday School Class at Circlewood Baptist Church; Medical and Support Staff at Forest Manor Rehab, Northport DCH. Our heart-filled gratitude goes to our beloved caregivers/ new family members Pearlie, Sherry and Carolyn Maddox. Thank you for helping to walk Grandma HOME.

A Celebration of Life Memorial Service is scheduled for 10am on Friday, December 1, 2023 and will be officiated by Brother Herb Thomas at Circlewood Baptist Church with visitation following the service.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.MemoryChapelFuneralHome.com for the English family.