The world lost a bright light on January 11, 2026, with the passing of our devoted mother, Barbara Barksdale. Barbara was born to James Wagner and Pearl (McAlhany) Horne on September 29, 1927, in Reevesville, South Carolina.

The Hornes and their baby left South Carolina for Florida when her father was transferred there by Seaboard Air Line Railroad (now CSX). Barbara grew up in Hampton, Florida where her mother ran a general store and her father was the depot agent. She, along with her 4 siblings, enjoyed growing up in a small town and attending school there. Students from Hampton were bussed to Bradford High School in the 9th grade to finish their education, and that's where she met her future husband, Robert Barksdale. After graduating from high school in 1945, Barbara attended Florida State College for Women in Tallahassee for a year before moving to Jacksonville to work for Southern Bell.

Robert and Barbara were married on February 9, 1947, in the First Baptist Church of Hampton. During their first year of marriage, Barbara helped out in the family clothing business, Barksdale's Department Store. Then, in 1948, their first baby was born, followed by 2 more little ones within the next 8 years, and Barbara became a full-time "mommy". Barbara was very active in her children's lives, being a Cub Scout den mother, and always eager to volunteer to chaperone Girl Scout activities, school trips and band trips. Her home was always a welcoming spot for the neighborhood children and for friends who dropped by for afternoon coffee.

The Barksdales purchased the Florida Theatre in Starke in 1962, and worked alongside each other to make a success of this new venture. Barksdale Theatres, Inc. eventually grew to 6 indoor and 2 drive-in theaters in several southeastern states. Their hands-on work ethic never faltered during their 46 years in the movie theater business. In 1976, the Barksdales moved to Humboldt, Tennessee, to run several of their theaters in west Tennessee. During her early married years, Barbara was active in the Starke Women's Club and also Beta Sigma Phi Sorority. Being of the Baptist faith, the Barksdales were members in the First Baptist Church of Starke, and also The Church at Sugar Creek (formerly First Baptist Church) in Humboldt, TN.

Spending time with family was one of Barbara's greatest joys. She enjoyed getting together for family reunions and traveling with her brothers and sisters on road trips and cruises. Barbara was truly the "heart of the home" and took great joy in treating her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren to special gatherings twice yearly in various locations for the Barksdale Birthday Bash and the Barksdale Christmas Bash! The Barksdales returned to Starke in 2012, after selling their last remaining movie theater. It has been wonderful for the family to have them nearby again. She touched countless lives with her kindness, grace, and generosity.

Left behind to cherish her memory are her children, Bobbie Sue (James) O'Brian, Robert "Robby" Barksdale, Jr., and Vicki Sparks. She was lovingly called "Grandma" by her 4 grandsons. Cody, Benjamin, Matthew, and Justin, and by her 8 great grandchildren, James, Ellie, Lily, McKenna, Emmie, Evie, Monroe, and Maverick, all of whom she loved dearly. Barbara is also survived by her brothers, J.W Horne, Jr., of Gulf Breeze, FL and William (Bill) Horne of Hampton, FL, and a host of loving relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Robert, her parents, and her 2 sisters, Betty Horne Murray of St. George SC, and Martha Horne Williams of New Port Richey, FL.

The family of Barbara and Robert Barksdale invite you to join them as they celebrate the lives of their parents in a joint memorial service to be held on Sunday, January 25, 2026, at Foundation Church (200 N. Walnut Street, Starke, FL 32091) Visitation at 2:00 p.m. followed by the Service at 3:00.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Community Hospice and Palliative Care: 4266 Sunbeam Road, Jacksonville, FL 32257 or to Foundation Church: 200 N. Walnut Street, Starke, FL 32091

Arrangements are under the care of JONES-GALLAGHER FUNERAL HOME, 620 E. Nona St., Starke, FL 32091 (904)964-6200 Jonesgallagherfh.com