Barbara Brown Waddell Page

A service celebrating her life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 26th at First Presbyterian Church, 1100 First Avenue with Reverend Joel Alvis and The Reverend Timothy H. Graham officiating followed by burial in Linwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations would be appreciated to First Presbyterian Church, 1100 First Avenue, Columbus, GA 31901, Agnes Scott College, 141 E. College Avenue, Decatur, GA 30030 or the Alzheimer's Association, 5156 River Road, Columbus, GA 31904, or the charity of your choice.

Barbara Hunter Brown was born at home in Columbus, GA, February 16th, 1931, the first of two girls, to Laura Elizabeth Gunnels and John Wright Brown. After attending Wynnton School, she graduated from Columbus High School in 1948 and Agnes Scott College in 1952 having participated in, or leading, many school activities at both institutions. After college, she worked for the Muscogee County Welfare Department. In 1953, Barbara was selected to be Georgia's Maid of Cotton—a high honor at the time—and represented Georgia in Memphis becoming one of the top finalists. In 1954, she was again asked to represent the state as its Cherry Blossom Princess in the parade and festivities in Washington, D.C. Later that year, she would move to New York City to become a guide at the newly formed United Nations. In 1956, Barbara returned to Columbus to marry Elliott Spear Waddell, Jr.--a happy union that lasted until his death in 1977.

Barbara was a unique, vivacious, joyful and positive person whose strong Christian faith kept her close to her beloved First Presbyterian Church where, over the years, she sang in the choir, served as a Deacon and was a member of the Session. From 1970 – 1985, she was employed as the Church Hostess extending her warm hospitality to all. For more than 40 years, one of her great joys was delivering Meals on Wheels to many of her “special friends.”

She was a past president of the Junior League of Columbus, a member of the Columbus Town Committee of the National Society of Colonial Dames in the State of Georgia and had served on the board of the Bradley Center. Barbara had been a member of both the Junto and Phalo Study Clubs as well as the Ivy Garden Club and was a former member of the Big Eddy Club and the River Club. She was an avid walker, birder, artist, gardener and stargazer as well as an enthusiastic supporter and spectator of her children's, grandchildren's and great grandchildren's many assorted endeavors. Nothing thrilled her more than the fine musical performances of the Columbus Symphony Orchestra and Columbus State University at RiverCenter. “B” was a huge fan of opera and had been fortunate enough hear numerous performances in many venues. She loved attending the local Saturday broadcasts of “Live at the Met” at Carmike Cinemas.

Barbara loved life and was loved by all who knew her. She is survived by her two sons, Elliott Spear Waddell III and Wright Brown Waddell (Katherine), their children Katherine Wright Waddell, Wright Jordan Waddell, John L. Waldrop III (Jennifer), Helen Waldrop Brooks (Will), and Mulford J. Waldrop (Whitni) and her devoted sister, Julia Heard Brown.

In 1985, she married William Marion Page who predeceased her in 2008. She loved “inheriting” his children John R. Page (Margaret), Jane Page McCamy (John) and the late William Franklin Page. The Page grandchildren surviving her are Kathryn McCamy Lewis, John William McCamy, Jr., Charlotte Golden Page, Lucile Page Martin (Bud), Carter Page Schondelmayer (Heath), Michael Woodruff (Dana), and Jill Woodruff King (Jesse). Barbara is also survived by 19 step great grandchildren.

The family would like to express their gratitude and sincere appreciation for the loving care given to her by Molly Lawrence, Joyce Long and the dedicated attention and special care of the Skilled Nursing Unit of Spring Harbor.