Barbara M. Batchelor

Barbara M. Batchelor passed peacefully with her family by her side on August 13, 2025. She was born in Kosciusko, Mississippi on December 22, 1941. Barbara spent most of her life in Ringgold, Louisiana where she moved after marrying her husband of 66 years, Thomas Malcolm Batchelor.

Much of Barbara's time was spent on the family farm in Ringgold, raising her children. She helped to provide for the family by gardening, canning, sewing, feeding animals and helping to work on equipment when needed --- and she knew how to operate that equipment as well. Barbara was a determined and capable woman who could accomplish anything she set her mind to.

At the age of 35, seeking new challenges, Barbara began taking college courses at Louisiana State University of Shreveport. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Speech, Language and Hearing Therapy with an impressive 3.8 GPA. She continued her education by earning a Master of Communication Disorders at Louisiana State University Medical Center with a perfect 4.0 GPA. Her dedication to learning culminated in a Doctor of Education in School Administration from George Peabody College for Teachers at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee.

Barbara's professional career was marked by a deep commitment to education and rehabilitation. She worked with the Bienville Parish School System and School Board, the New Medico Rehabilitation Center of Texas in Lindale, and the Louisiana State University Medical Center. Her excellence was recognized through numerous honors, including the Dean's Award from Louisiana State University Medical Center, inclusion in Who's Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges and induction into the Alpha Eta Society.

Throughout her career, she published approximately 20 articles with the Speech, Language, and Hearing Association, contributing valuable knowledge to her field. Her outreach was profound and impactful for the children she worked with, the students she taught and the leadership she provided in the speech, language, and hearing community. Barbara's legacy of compassion and dedication touched many lives and helped shape the future of her profession.

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, Carnes McMillon and Lonna H Moak, her brother Norman McMillan and sister Ardys. She is survived by her devoted husband of 66 years, Thomas Malcolm Batchelor; her daughter, Jeanne Halcomb (Mitchell); sons, Thomas Adrian Batchelor, and Brian Canon Batchelor (Allison); seven grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.

A graveside service will be held at Pleasant Grove Cemetery in Ringgold, Louisiana, on August 15, 2025, at 9:00a.m.

Psalm 3:4 "Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart." Find joy and satisfaction in God. When you are aligned with God's Will, you will have a happy and fulfilled life. Peace be with you.