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.