Barbara L. Byars

Barbara quietly departed her earthly journey on November 8, 2023. Barbara was born August 26, 1931, to the union of Mamie and James Lowery in Columbus, Ohio. She attended East High School where she played on the basketball team. After graduation, she joined the United States Air Force where she met and married and began to start her family.  Soon after she retired from the Air Force, she began a long career in civil service with the federal government at The Defense Construction Supply Center.  She also joined the Air National Guard.  As a civil service employee, she started as a GS-2 and made her way to the highest ranking in the government achieving a GS-15. She was also the first African American woman to ever hold that position.

Barbara loved her family.  She made her way to Warner Robins, Georgia following her children and their families.  She liked it so much she built her dream home here. But nothing brought her more joy than her grandchildren and great grandchildren and we can’t leave out her fur-grand baby, Keyoki.

Barbara loved talking about world news and politics.  She also loved her murder mystery shows. That tv would be on Murder She Wrote, Matlock or the First 48 constantly...

As we mourn the loss of MSgt. Barbara L. Byars, USAF (Ret.), we also celebrate a life lived with purpose, dedication, and a profound love for her family and country. Barbara’s contributions to the community, both in military service and civilian life, will be remembered with gratitude.

In addition to her parents, Barbara was preceded in death by her children, Clarence Lee “Rocky” Byars (Stephanie), and Karen Marie Little, as well as her sister, June Garrett.

Her memory will forever be treasured by her daughter, Mary Hammonds of Columbus, Ohio; grandchildren, Treva Benton of Warner Robins; D’Juan Hammonds (Sophia), Tiffany Bivins, and Tamara Burrell (T.J.), all of Columbus, Ohio; as well as Satin Hammonds Curtis (David) of Memphis, Tennessee; great-grandchildren, Derrick Harris, Jr., Keondra and Kierra Bivins, D’Meko Benton, Chandler Burrell, Leilah Holmes, Courtney Burrell, Michael Favors II, Khloe Curtis and Giovanna Hammonds; as well as many beloved extended family members and friends.

A memorial service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Friday, November 17, 2023, in the chapel of McCullough Funeral Home.  MSgt. Barbara L. Byars, USAF (Ret.) will be laid privately to rest.

Go to www.mcculloughfh.com to sign the Online Registry for the family.  McCullough Funeral Home and Crematory has the privilege of being entrusted with these arrangements.