Barbara Ann Abney of Deridder, La. passed away at Lake Charles Memorial Hospital on Monday, July 4, 2022, following a brief illness.

She was born in Ruston, La. on June 7, 1938. Raised in Lake Charles, La., she graduated from LaGrange High School in 1955 and married her husband Norman Richard Abney Sr. on June 24, 1955 at Trinity Baptist Church in Lake Charles.

Barbara was preceded in death by her husband, Norman; parents David and Sylvia Stagg; and her sisters Ruby Danforth and Lorraine Ihle.

She is survived by her three sons, Rick Abney (Joni) of Mt. Vernon, Mo., Michael Abney (Patti) of Bossier City, La., and Thomas Abney, Sr (Tammy) of Deridder; three daughters, Cathy Bellott (John) of Monticello, Ark, Theda Trahan (Robert) of Lake Charles, and Sonia Garth (John) of Champaign, Ill.; 11 grandchildren, Tray Abney (Dawn) of Reno, Nev.,  Kami Burkemper (Andy) of Florence, S.C., Cheyanne Courtney (Jereimy) of Aurora, Mo., Josh Abney (Amber) of Roanoke, Texas; Tiffany Guest (Josh) of Haughton, La.; Scott Bellott (Courtney) of Monticello, Ark; Frances Hayes (Jacob) of Monticello, Ark., Amber Maddox (Cody) of Rosepine, La., Thomas Abney, Jr (Nikki) of Deridder, La., Bree Adcock (Alex) of Normal, Ill., and Connor Garth (Katie) of Normal, Ill.; and 20 great-grandchildren.

Barbara prided herself in her children and she adored her many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was a sweet-spirited woman who was known as a prayer warrior and faithful servant of God.  Her never-ceasing faith in God was the testimony of her life not only to her children but all those who knew her. She, along with her husband, were long-time members and servants at Twelfth Street Baptist Church in Lake Charles before she relocated to Deridder after his death in 1999. There she became a member of Dry Creek Baptist Church where she continued serving including chaperoning church youth trips and working with Campers on a Mission.

A visitation for friends and family will be held at Dry Creek Baptist Church in Dry Creek, La. on Friday, July 8 at 2:00 pm followed by the funeral service at 5:00 pm officiated by Charlie Bailey and John Gray. A burial service will be also be held at 12:00 pm on Saturday, July 9 at Prien Memorial Park Cemetery in Lake Charles.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Dry Creek Baptist Church.