Barbara (Harris) Ball

Barbara Harris Ball, a longtime resident of Bay Minette, Alabama, passed away on October 15, 2023, at the age of 78.

She is survived by her children, James “Jeb” (Allison) Ball of Bay Minette, Alabama, Rebecca (Jeffrey) Coats, of Boone, North Carolina, and one cherished granddaughter, Payton Ball.

She was preceded in death by her infant son, Forrest Ball, her parents James “Jimmy” and Rebecca “Becky” Harris, and her husband of 58 years, Eberhard Erich “Ebi” Ball.

Barbara and Ebi were married on September 5, 1964. She attended the University of Alabama from 1964-1968 and relocated to Mobile when Ebi departed to serve in Vietnam. She received her Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from the University of South Alabama in 1969 and went on to receive her Masters Degree in Special Education in 1992 from the University of South Alabama.

In 1970, Barbara and Ebi made their way to Bay Minette, where she began her career as a third-grade teacher at Bay Minette Elementary School. She later became a Special Education teacher at Pine Grove Elementary School. She absolutely adored each and every one of her Pine Grove students, oftentimes sharing fond stories of her interactions with the children and how much she enjoyed having them in her life. She was beloved by all of her students and had a passion for her job as an educator. She impacted countless lives, both young and old.

She was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church where she was a Sunday School Teacher, Circle Group Leader, and volunteer for various church functions. She was a member of the B.C.E.A, A.E.A., N.E.A., Council for Exceptional Children, Phi Kappa Phi Educational Honor Society and the U.S.A. Alumni Association. Barbara was also active in our community and found fulfillment in volunteerism. She was a past president and founding member of the Heritage Junior Women’s Club, North Baldwin Hospital Auxiliary, Baldwin County Humane Society Board Member, past secretary of Quest Study Club, BCHS Advisory Committee, past Co-Chair of Concerned Citizens for Education Ad Valorem Tax Referendum and past President of the Elementary School PTA.

Barbara had a dry wit, a fantastic sense of humor and loved with her whole heart. Our family will miss her beyond words, and we are so grateful to have had her in our lives. Her memory is truly a blessing.

Funeral services will be held Saturday October 28, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. at Norris Funeral Home Chapel.

The family will receive friends at 1:00 p.m. prior to the 2:00 p.m. service.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Baldwin County High School Marching Band. 1 Tiger Drive Bay Minette, Al 36507 Attention BCHS Marching Band.

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