Terry’s Metropolitan Mortuary | Talladega, AL

Obituary For Barbara Jean Morgan Lawler

A celebration of life for Mrs. Barbara Jean Morgan Lawler of Talladega, 73, will be 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 13, 2021, at Terry's Mortuary Chapel. Reverend Barbara D. Embry will deliver the eulogy. Attendance will be limited. Interment will be in Pine Hill Memorial Park. Visitation will be 2-7 p.m. on Friday, February 12, 2021, at the funeral home.

On September 29, 1947, Otherl James Morgan and Lizzie Swain Morgan welcomed their third child, a daughter they named Barbara Jean in Talladega, Alabama.

At an early age, Barbara committed her life to Christ and united with Jacob’s Chapel Christian Methodist Episcopal Church. She is a graduate of Westside High School. After completing her public school education, she enrolled at Talladega College where she graduated in 1971 with a degree in English Education. She displayed her thirst for knowledge by enrolling in Jacksonville State University earning a master’s degree in communications. After completing her formal training, Barbara was an educator at Gadsden State Community College and Central Alabama Community College. She dedicated a number of years and retired from Talladega City Schools and was currently developing young adult minds at her alma mater, Talladega College. Her former students described her as being passionate, forward thinking, firm, a visionary and the true epitome of being a lady.

In the late 1960s, she was the first African American DJ in the Talladega area hosting the Barbara Morgan Show on WEYY. Civically, she was a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. Barbara received many local, state and national awards and accolades. She enjoyed writing stage plays, which helped to display the theatrical talents of her students and church members. Barbara also had a passion for gardening, decorating and being a servant to her community.

Barbara was united in holy matrimony to the late James Alexander Lawler, III on December 13, 1969.

On the evening of Saturday, February 6, 2021, Barbara answered her Master’s call at her residence. She was preceded in passing by her husband, James A. Lawler, III; her parents, Otherl J. and Lizzie Morgan; and two brothers, James Morgan and Charles Morgan.

Barbara leaves to cherish her life and legacy: her loving and dedicated daughter, Erikka J. Lawler of Talladega, Alabama; six sisters, Bertha Morgan of Birmingham, Alabama, Diane Morgan and Carol Morgan of Talladega, Alabama, Sharon (Joe) Morgan of Birmingham, Alabama, Mary Morgan (Jim) Grimes of Sylacauga, Alabama and Felecia Morgan of Talladega, Alabama; two brothers, Benny (Juanita) Morgan and Donald (Barbara) Morgan of Talladega, Alabama; and a host nieces, nephews, other relatives, a countless number of students and friends.

Guest Book

On behalf of Carol Collins Garrett and the Collins/Garrett family, we extend our deepest sympathy and condolences to the Lawler Family. May God bring you peace and comfort during this most difficult time. Ms. Lawler was well loved by this family and will be truly missed.

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"Act well your part, there all the honor lies" motto of the International Thespian Society of which Ms Lawler inducted our Drama Club. My heart is heavy for this great loss but I am lifted by soo many memories of Ms Lawler as a Teacher, Drama Club Director, Mentor, Friend and a "Just like family member". I enjoy endless memories of English Lit., drama rehearsals, drama competitions, fund raisers, oratorical contests, plays, parades, fun trips, parties, back yard cook-outs, laughs, let downs and tears. I was Blessed by your intellect, your wisdom, your grace, your "bigger than life" Spirit. You have been and always will be a part of my heart. May God Bless your soul as He welcomes you with open arms. And may He give Comfort to all of the family you leave on earth. I love you forever. Andre W. Keith, Washington, DC

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As a Westside classmate and Talladega College classmate, memories of Barbara are many. I am thankful we crossed paths in life. May the Will and Grace of God help the family endure during this time of sorrow. Archie Harmon

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Barbara, Our families were so close until you were more like a sister. Thanks for the memories I have of you as a High School English Teacher, as a disjockey and so much more. You were beautiful inside and out. Enjoy your new home. Kathryne Shelborne

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I lit a candle in remembrance of Mrs. Barbara Lawler, My deepest condolences to the Morgan & Lawler families.

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With Sincere Sympathy.. Thank You Barbara for serenade our souls back in the days with the Sixity and seventy beautiful music... The Barbara Morgan Show.. DJ- Barbara Brinda,Nat,Clara Wlliams New Yotk 💜

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Words cannot express the sadness I felt when I heard of Barbara's passing. She was a great high school teacher and mentor. She was very caring about her students. Barbara taught me English for 2 years. Further, we worked together at Talladega College and with Talladega College alumni chapter. She will truly be missed. Barbara, I will miss your warm, beautiful smile and quick wit! Blessings and peace to the Morgan and Lawler families. Frances Baker Dates

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My deepest sympathies to the family and my earnest prayers for comfort to heal your sorrow. Please know that her former students loved and respected Barbara Lawler, a teacher who inspired us to go beyond our comfort zone, to be creative, to push our limits to do more and be better. I loved her and James Lawler,too. They believed in us and encouraged us to be bold in our ideas and actions. It was a pleasure to know her and to see her in 2016 at a mini-class reunion. Mrs.Lawler and Mrs. Hattie Hicks Wallace were both there and they were a thrill to see and to visit with at this event. It is wonderful to see that so many people were positively impacted by Mrs. Lawler's influence in the Talladega community through the years and even currently. God bless you, Mrs. Lawler,you lived life to the fullest and now you are gracing heaven with your presence. Rest in peace. Robin Royal Anzaldua, THS Class of 1976 & Spirit of '76 Drama Troup

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Most sincere condolences to the Morgan and Lawler families.Very sad to loose our high school and TC classmate. Her outstanding contributions as a professional educator and to the community spoke to her vital character and firm commitment to those around her. Rest In Peace. Mike & Vickie Simmons, Williamstown, NJ

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My thoughts and prayers are with the Lawler family. Barbara was a pioneer in the field of radio in the Talladega community. I salute her life and legacy. Peaceful rest. Gloria Ratchford Cole Westside Class of 1967

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Condolences to the family. A beautiful spirit has gone, but the legacy she leaves behind will continue to guide and shape lives. As a colleague, she will be missed. Brenda Seals, Sylacauga

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My condolences to Mrs. Lawler's family. Mrs. Lawler was my ñinth grade English teacher. She was very,nice person. LaSinka Chapman

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My deepest condolences to the family of Mrs. Lawler!! She was such a beautiful person, and always so kind! Prayers to her family at this very difficult time!!! Vicki Taylor Bass

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So sorry to hear of the passing or Mrs. Lawler! She was such a beautiful person and always so very kind! My prayers and deepest condolences to her family!! Vicki Taylor Bass

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SENDING LOVE AND SYMPATHY TO MS.LAWLER'S FAMILY.MS. LAWLER TAUGHT ME COLLEGE ENGLISH. STRONG TOUGH WOMAN.

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My dearest sympathy goes out to da family of da late Mrs. Barbara Morgan Lawler. She wS an inspiring teacher. She was my 11th and 12th grade English teacher. She will forever remain in my heart. I learned alot from her. She is going to be truly missed. Erika u and da family r in my thoughts. Im just lost for words right now. Rest in heaven my friend!!! From d family of Melethica Curry

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Mrs. Lawler will forever remain in my heart. She was a very funny strong and beautiful woman. Not only was she my q2th grade homeroom teacher she a as my English teacher as well. Her family has my sympathy.

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To know Mrs. Lawler is to love her. Im going to really miss her. She was my senior year homeroom teacher and my senior year English teacher. She would always smile and make sure her students learned what she was teaching. U r truly going to be missed!!!

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My sincere sympathy and condolence to the family. Mrs. Lawler was a wonderful person and truly enjoyed the art of teaching. She was not only an inspiring teacher but also a mentor to her students. My children were blessed to have had her in their lives while at Talladega High School. Praying for comfort and healing for the family. Earlene Dickerson Simmons and the Dickerson children.

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So long my Dear teacher, you taught me a lot while attending THS and encourage me to be the best that I could be. I will never forget the times we spent together, traveling to Holks Bluff to participate in events for the Drama Club and you getting on me for letting Erica eat a whole pack of Big 60 cookies. I was selected best Actor that year under your tutelage and you saw to it that I was inducted into the International Thespian Society which honored High School students achievement in Theatre since 1929, You have accomplished a lot while here and this earth and I'm so grateful to have been one of your students. I will forever be grateful to you. Conrad Ragland (Cephus Miles ) Lugoff South Carolina.

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I find it so difficult to write these words. Mrs. Lawler was my high school English teacher. But she was more than that, she was a person who believed in you, and pushed you to be your best. She believed in our rag-tag group of drama students Suzi Gessert, Robin Royal, Tony Cox, Tim Smith, Charles Scales, Irene Horn, and others I'm forgetting. She sponsored our "Spirit of '76" Drama group, even our original material. She spent many after-school hours, and weekends in rehearsals, and traipsing with us to competitions. I don't live in Talladega anymore, but I was home for a reunion a few years ago and thrilled to see her there. We had a wonderful visit that I will cherish always. And what's most incredible is she said WE inspired her, and helped her in her career. I could not fathom. She spoke of having Tim's son in her drama group years later, and how he was Tim's "mini-me." We laughed. And now looking at her age I realize she was only 10 years older than me. Thank you Mrs. Lawler, I'm terribly saddened at the world's loss of this incredible joyous and giving soul. Love always, Tamra (Tammy Pree) Phillips

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My sincerest sympathies to the family and close friends of Mrs. Barbara Morgan Lawler. My fondest memories of her were associated with her high school scholarship and superior talent. She was a favorite of Mrs. Mildred Maxwell who encouraged Barbara to reach for the stars. Following that advice, Barbara became a pioneer in so many ways. She touched a lot of people as she climbed her ladder to success. She made us all proud. Charles Varner, Jr., Montgomery, Alabama

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My sincerest sympathies to the family and close friends of Mrs. Barbara Morgan Lawler. My fondest memories of her were associated with her high school scholarship and superior talent. She was a favorite of Mrs. Mildred Maxwell who encouraged Barbara to reach for the stars. Following that advice, Barbara became a pioneer in so many ways. She touched a lot of people as she climbed her ladder to success. She made us all proud. Charles Varner, Jr., Montgomery, Alabama

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Condolences to the family. May God strengthen the family to endure this pain. Mrs. Lawler was a sweet concern person. You are dancing with the Angels now.

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Mrs. Lawler taught me English in my 9th and 11th grade years at Talladega High School. She was always kind to me and always spoke to me when I would run into her in public. Rest high on that mountain Barbara. Connie Watts Patterson, Class of 1976

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Mrs. Lawyer was truly in a profession she love, teaching! She taught her students so many valuable lesson. Her focus was education and she also taught mental, physical, moral and spiritual lessons. She would leave her classroom during a test! What her students didn't know was she would reverse the working of the intercom in her classroom. She knew her students by name and voice. She would patiently wait to hear a student ask another student for an answer and then she would comment over the intercom. Of course all the students would gasp in shock! Mrs. Lawler will never ever be forgotten! Her love of teaching English guided my career choice. I love you Mrs. Lawyer.

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During my junior and senior years at Talladega High, l always looked forward to going to Mrs.Lawler's class.And lessons that she would encourage us to learn outside of the classroom were equally as rewarding.It was truly a blessing to have been in her presence and I appreciate and understand the messages she would convey now more than ever. Thank you for loving enough to care... thank you,Mrs.Lawler. Reginald L.Swain (Cheese) Rock Hill,SC

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Mrs. Lawler will forever be in my heart. She was an inspiring teacher and drama coach. And she was my mentor. I feel blessed to have had her in my life. I send prayers of love and healing to her family. 💜 ~ suzi gessert, Williamsburg, VA

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Praying that the love of God, family and friends will strengthen you. Ms. Lawler was a true Talladegan. She will live on in the lives of so many of her students and colleagues.

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Praying for your family and Rest Peacefully

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Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.

- Terry’s Metropolitan Mortuary | Talladega, AL