Barbara Ann Taylor Stokes

Ms. Barbara Ann Taylor Stokes, 84, of Swainsboro passed away Sunday, October 18, 2026, peacefully, surrounded by her family. Barbara was born December 10, 1941, in Summertown, Georgia to the late Henry Cardel Taylor and Velma Bishop Taylor and grew up in the Stephen's Crossing Community. 

Barbara graduated from Swainsboro High School and graduated from Georgia College and State University, known then as Georgia State College for Women, with a degree in social studies. She 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. She 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, Barbara was preceded in death by her husband of over 44 years, Cay Guyton Stokes, Jr, her daughter, Melissa Stokes Tyler, a son in-law, Michael Kirby Tyler and brother, Carl Henry Taylor. She is survived by her daughter, Elizabeth Stokes Matthews (Jay) of Barnesville, Georgia, grandchildren, Jake Matthews (Annalee) of Macon, Georgia, Anna Matthews Clowe (Ross) of Milner, Georgia, Amelia Ann Tyler of Barnesville, Georgia, brother, Larry Cardel Taylor (Debbie) of Brunswick, Georgia, sister in-law, Nan Taylor of Statesboro, Georgia and several nieces and nephews. 

A graveside service will be held on Thursday, October 22, 2026, at 2pm at the Bishop Chapel Church cemetery located 1404 Bishop Chapel Church Rd Midville, GA 30441. Reverend Mark Sweat and Reverend Jack Whitehead officiating. Honorary pallbearers are the First Baptist Church of Swainsboro Agape Sunday School Class and the Governor David Emanuel-Adam Brinson Chapter, NSDAR.

The family will receive friends after the service.

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

The family of Ms. 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.

Condolences may be expressed at www.chapmanfhofswainsboro.com.

Chapman Funeral Home of Swainsboro is in charge of the arrangements for Ms. Barbara Ann Taylor Stokes, 84, of Swainsboro.