Rhoda Mizell (Nanny) Barber, 92, originally of Waycross, GA, died surrounded by her loved ones the night of Thursday, July 19, 2012 at her son’s home in Sanderson after a lengthy illness. She was born in Hopkins, GA in Ware County and raised in the Okefeenokee Swamp by her parents, the late Maggie Hendrix Mizell and the late Hamp Mizell, co-author of “The History of the Okefeenokee.”
She lived her life in Manor and Waycross, married to the late Robert Leo Barber. Mrs. Barber was a graduate of Manor High School and Ware County Vocational School. She was a licensed practical nurse and touched many lives at both Homerville Hospital as well as Ware Manor Nursing Home until her retirement.
In addition to her parents and husband, Mrs. Barber was preceded in death by her daughters Sylvia Barber Howell Caswell and Barbara Ann Barber Ferrante.Survivors include her children Lamar Barber and Larry Barber of Waycross, Judy Hiers of Chattanooga, TN, William (Kimi) Barber of Waycross, Regenia (James) Williamson of Valdosta, Joel (Bambi) Barber of Sanderson, Paul (Patti) Barber of Homerville; numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and other relatives.
Mrs. Barber was a devoted Christian woman who enjoyed fishing, cooking for her family, piano playing at church, reading the Bible, farming, gardening, knitting, writing poetry and most importantly spending time with her children and grandchildren.
The funeral service was held on Tuesday, July 24 at 11 am at Kettle Creek Southern Congregational Methodist Church in Waycross with Rev. T.F. Yawn and Luther Thrift officiating. Burial followed in Kettle Creek Cemetery.
Miles-Odum Funeral Home in Waycross was in charge of arrangements.