Barbara Ann Walton

Barbara graduated from Montclair High School in 1949 and pursued higher education at Michigan State in Lansing, Michigan. Her adventurous spirit led her, along with her husband Joe and their only child JoAnn, to live in Liberia, Africa. Their travels took them to Paris, Rome, and Switzerland, sparking a lifelong love of exploration in Barbara.

After her divorce, Barbara and JoAnn moved to Indianapolis to be closer to her mother. There, she worked at Lilly’s for 30 years, retiring as a dedicated label editor. Barbara's keen eye for detail was legendary; she could spot errors instantly and was known for her red pen corrections.

Her passion for precision extended to her daily ritual of completing crossword puzzles, which she credited with keeping her mind sharp. Barbara was a witty, kind-hearted individual, affectionately known as "Our Gem." Her motherly wisdom and welcoming demeanor made everyone feel at home, though she also had a look that could set things right with just one glance, if that was called on – always with a sense of dignity and grace.

Barbara enjoyed numerous hobbies over the years, including bowling, golfing, and traveling. Embracing technology in her later years, with the help of her village, she mastered her cell phone, texted regularly, and explored new discoveries using Google. She loved watching her favorite shows on her Smart TV, including Nashville, Yellowstone, and CBS soap operas.

A courageous multi-cancer survivor, Barbara's last diagnosis in October revealed that cancer had returned and metastasized. She quickly relocated to Georgia to be closer to JoAnn and David. Barbara received her wings on November 7, 2024.

Barbara will be deeply missed by her family and friends, some of whom have been part of her life for over 60 years.

She is survived by her beloved daughter, JoAnn Bailey (David); grandson, David; bonus children, Nadine and Curtis White; brother, Arthur; sister-in-law, Eleanor, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins including: Amanda Seward (Hans), Quinta Seward, Barbara d’ l’arbre (Charlie), MeiLing Armstrong (Piers), Jody Lowe (Diddier, Liz, Lorenz), JoAma Seward (Kachi), Philip Seward (Jo, Eli, Allegra), Sidney Seward (Jimmy, Erika), Karen Seward (Isabel, Simone, Nathan), Anthony Newton (Tininha, Lassallete Canada), Cynthia Newton, Jay Nickels, Russell Nickels (Susie, Emily, Melissa), Victor Nickels (Jennifer), and Iris Dyson (Duane, Dee, Duane, Darius).