Barbara Louise Lopez

If there's a beach in heaven, we know Barbara Louise Lopez is already there-feet in the sand, strawberry crepes in hand, and probably placing a sure bet on the fastest horse.

Born in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, to Jessie and Lela Latner, Barbara graced this world with her warmth, humor, and an undeniable knack for picking the winning pony at the track. She spent her 81 years spreading love, laughter, and a touch of shopping-induced joy wherever she went. Whether she was dancing, volunteering, leading Girl Scouts, or enjoying a Cracker Barrel meal, Barbara embraced life with an energy that was contagious.

A devoted mother, she raised her children-Kimberly Jo Cole (Toby), Kenneth Michael Riley (Jennifer), James Robert Riley, Lesa Nicole Banks, and Rachelle Ann Hodges (Seth)-with kindness, wisdom, and just the right amount of mischief. Her love multiplied through her grandchildren: Troy Cole, Chase Cheney (Alyssa), Danielle Cole, Brittany Riley, Hayden Riley, Cody Riley (Heather), Joseph Riley (Kayla), Seth Banks, Jaxen Vasquez, Caleb Faulkner, Lennon Hodges, Jacob Hodges, Ella Hodges, and David Shelton, along with 15 great-grandchildren.

Barbara is reunited in paradise with her beloved daughter, Delia Ann Lopez, her husband, Raymond Lopez, her siblings Annie Gaye Sullivan, William Latner, and Jimmie Latner, and a lifetime of good memories. She leaves behind her cherished sister, Hazel Broadhead, and sister-in-law, Raunda Latner, who will carry on her legacy of love and laughter.

Barbara's presence lit up every room, from her Noble Senior Center family to the countless friends she made over the years. She never met a shopping trip she didn't like, a vacation she wouldn't take, or a dance floor she couldn't conquer. Her life was a beautiful testament to joy, adventure, and the importance of always ordering dessert.

While we will miss her deeply, we take comfort in knowing she's now sipping Coca-Cola in the sunshine, waiting for us to join her for one more trip to IHOP. Until then, we'll keep dancing, loving, and picking the best horses in her honor.

Rest in peace, Barbara-you were truly one of a kind.