Barbara Ann Stokes, 84

Barbara Ann Taylor Stokes, age 84, of Swainsboro, passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 18, 2026, surrounded by her family. A graveside service was held Thursday, October 22, at 2 p.m. at the Bishop Chapel Church cemetery in Midville with Reverend Mark Sweat and Reverend Jack Whitehead officiating. Family received friends after the service.

Honorary pallbearers were the First Baptist Church of Swainsboro Agape Sunday School Class and the Governor David Emanuel-Adam Brinson Chapter, NSDAR.

Barbara was born December 10, 1941, in Summertown, to the late Henry Cardel Taylor and Velma Bishop Taylor, and grew up in the Stephen’s Crossing Community. She graduated from Swainsboro High School, then Georgia College and State University, known then as Georgia State College for Women, with a degree in social studies. Barbara returned home to begin her career in education by teaching history in middle and high school. She furthered her education by earning her master’s degree and education specialist degrees with an emphasis in social sciences and administration through Georgia Southern College. Barbara dedicated her life and career to the teaching and education of generations of families in the Swainsboro community for more than 30 years. She retired from the Emanuel County School system as an administrator and assistant principal at Swainsboro High School and was a proud member of the Tiger family. Barbara was a member of First Baptist Church of Swainsboro where she was a faithful servant and teacher for the Agape Sunday School class. She was a proud member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, the United Daughters of the Confederacy, and Delta Kappa Gamma. In addition to her parents, Mrs. Stokes is preceded in death by her husband of over 44 years, Cay Guyton Stokes, Jr; daughter, Melissa Stokes Tyler and son in-law, Michael Kirby Tyler; and brother, Carl Henry Taylor.

Mrs. Stokes is survived by her daughter, Elizabeth Stokes Matthews (Jay) of Barnesville; grandchildren, Jake Matthews (Annalee) of Macon, Anna Matthews Clowe (Ross) of Milner, and Amelia Ann Tyler of Barnesville; brother, Larry Cardel Taylor (Debbie) of Brunswick; sister in-law, Nan Taylor of Statesboro; and several nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: Bishop Chapel Cemetery fund, c/o Wayne Greenway, 253 Stagecoach Rd, Swainsboro, Georgia 30401.

The family of Mrs. Barbara would like to express their gratitude for the support and special care given by Mrs. Teena Parker over the past several months and Mr. Michael Jenkins for his years of support and assistance to her homeplace. Additionally, the care provided by Dr. Vijitha Prasad over the years is appreciated.

Chapman Funeral Home of Swainsboro was in charge of arrangements.