Barbara Carolyn Shadrack Batchelor

ARITON…Mrs. Barbara Carolyn Shadrack Batchelor, a resident of Ariton, died early Wednesday morning, July 23, 2025, at her home. She was 82.

Graveside services will be held at 10:00 A.M. Friday, July 25, 2025, at Ariton Cemetery with Pastor Randy Adams officiating. The family will receive friends following the graveside service. Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home of Ozark is in charge of arrangements.

Mrs. Batchelor, born to the late Louis Shadrack and Iris Lavelle Spencer, was a proud native of Louisiana, where her roots ran deep and her heart was shaped by the warmth of Southern life. Over the years, she made her way through different chapters of her journey, living in the Southern California area, Dallas-Fort Worth area and Terrell, Texas, before settling in the quiet town of Ariton, Alabama in 2012—a place that quickly became her sanctuary.

She lived a life full of grit, grace, and determination. In her earlier years, she worked hard managing apartment complexes, always making sure folks had a safe and welcoming place to call home. Later, she took to the open road as an over-the-road truck driver, a job that suited her independent spirit and gave her a chance to see the country from behind the wheel. She was never afraid of hard work and always carried herself with strength and dignity.

But it was in Ariton where she found peace. She loved nothing more than sitting on her front porch, soaking in the stillness of the countryside, watching the world go by at its own gentle pace. That porch became her favorite spot—a place for quiet reflection, laughter with neighbors, and long talks with family.

Mrs. Batchelor had a deep love for animals, and they loved her right back. Her dog Lula was her loyal companion, always by her side. Her cat Katie brought her comfort and calm. Vera Bell, her donkey, and Candy, her miniature donkey, added joy and a touch of whimsy to her days. Each of them held a special place in her heart, and she cared for them like family.

She was a woman of faith and found community and comfort in attending the former Ariton United Methodist Church. Her belief in kindness, compassion, and the goodness of people was evident in the way she lived and loved.

Mrs. Batchelor was preceded in death by her son, Michael Batchelor, her beloved siblings—Sara Spencer, Claudine Shadrack, and Otis Shadrack—whose memories she carried with her always. She was also preceded in death recently by a great-granddaughter, Bennett Faith Wesberry. Though she faced loss, she never lost her warmth, her humor, or her ability to make others feel at home.

Her life was a beautiful blend of strength and softness, of hard work and quiet joy. She will be remembered not just for the things she did, but for the way she made people feel—loved, welcomed, and at peace.

Surviving relatives include her husband of forty years, Jeff Batchelor, Ariton; children, Brad Wesberry (Holly), Garland, Texas, Carla Sammons (Jimmy), Dothan, Robbie Batchelor (Ami), Savannah, Georgia, Malissa Simpson (Howard), Oceanside, California, and Anthony Batchelor, Lutz, Florida; two sisters, Vera Fowler (Jiffy), Farmerville, Louisiana, and Donna Weadock (Donald), Vidalia, Louisiana; brother, Felton Dupree (Barbara), Louisiana; twelve grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren.

Serving as active pallbearers will be Bradley Peavy, Bryson Peavy, Jeremy Talbott, Brady Wesberry, Chase Batchelor, and Micah Wesberry.