Barbara Kent Coward, 85, formerly of Crescent City, passed away at Haven Hospice Roberts Care Center on April 15, 2015. Born in Crescent City on August 28, 1929, Barbara was a graduate of Crescent City School and Valedictorian of the class of 1947. She was a member of Howe Memorial United Methodist Church in Crescent City where she served as Sunday school superintendent, was past president of the Business and Professional Women’s Club, member of the Crescent City Women’s Club, volunteer den mother for the Cub Scouts. Barbara was co-owner of In & Out grocery store in Palatka, worked at Leon’s Department store where she also taught classes, and owned Nimble Fingers craft store in Welaka. She retired as a cafeteria manager for Crescent City Schools and enjoyed cooking, sewing, gardening, and dearly loved her family.
Barbara is preceded in death by her parents Joseph Smith of Alabama, Janet T. “Bid” Smith of Crescent City, and her husband of 60 years, James Lawton Coward. Survivors include her sister Caroline Skidmore of Pomona Park; four children: Jane Peebles (Jack) of Dunnellon, Gary Coward (Esme) of Crescent City, Roberta Carmichael (Del) of Homosassa, Michelle (Terry) of Athens, GA; and eight grandchildren who called her Nana: Travis Peebles (Joy) of Dunnellon, Lane Peebles of Tallahassee, Christina van Langenberg (Dirk) of Val Verde, CA, CPT Jonathan Coward (Elizabeth) of Redstone Arsenal, AL, MSgt. Joseph A. Carmichael (Amie) of USMC Quantico, VA, Richard, Wesley and Daniel; great grandchildren Shelby and Jacob Peebles; Zachary, Zoey, and Emily van Langenberg; Isaac, Elijah, Matthew, and baby girl Coward, due in May; Peyton and Emily Carmichael; and her dear friend of six years, Charlie Rhodes and special granddaughter Pat Akins.
Viewing will be 1:00 Friday, April 17 at Howe Memorial United Methodist Church in Crescent City. Funeral services will begin at 2:00 followed by interment at Eden Cemetery with Dwaine Roberts officiating.
Flowers are appreciated or memorial gifts may be sent to Haven Hospice Roberts Care Center, 6400 St. Johns Ave., Palatka, FL 32177.
Memories and condolences may be expressed to the family at Barbara’s Book of Memories page at www.johnsonoverturffuneral.com .
Arrangements are under the direction of Johnson-Overturf Funeral Home in Palatka.