Barbara Jean Park

Barbara Jean Brantley Park passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 16, 2023 surrounded by her daughter and granddaughters. She was 88 years old. Barbara, more affectionately known as Maw Maw, was born December 21, 1934 in the small town of Jennings Florida to the late Marcus and Arbena Brantley. Barbara grew up on a 132 acre tobacco farm along side her siblings, Charles, Mary Katherine, Delores and Billy. She graduated from Jennings High School. In 1954, she left the small town of Jennings for the big city of Atlanta, Georgia. Here, she worked jobs at Atlanta Linen, Davisons Paxson and as a secretary for attorneys Brince Manning Jr and Clarence Peeler. In 1955, she was set up on a blind date by her roommate. She met Sidney (Buddy) Park and they dated for over a year. On November 7, 1956, they married at Decatur Heights Baptist Church in Decatur, GA. They purchased a home in the city limits of Decatur and began their new life together. They were blessed with one daughter, Teresa, in July 1963. After Teresa's birth, Barbara became a full time homemaker while Buddy continued working for Kraft Foods. As a stay at home mother, Barbara was able to nurture and raise Teresa through her school years. She was very active in the PTA and participated in numerous school field trips and activities during Teresa's childhood. In 1987, Buddy retired from Kraft Foods and they became grandparents in August 1987 with the birth of Teresa's first daughter, Brittany. Together, she and Buddy cared for Brittany while Teresa worked. In 1989, they were blessed with a second granddaughter, Caitlin. In 1993, Buddy passed away. After a brief grieving period, she resumed caring for the girls on a daily basis. Once again, she was active in school activities, field trips and extracurricular activities for her granddaughters. In 2004, Barbara gained two additional granddaughters, Janine and Rochelle, when Teresa remarried. At that time, Barbara sold her house in Decatur and moved in with Teresa in Lilburn. She continued to be the active grandmother for school functions and activities for not two granddaughters but now four. Her life was busy but she loved every minute. She became "Maw Maw" to all the girls' friends when they were visitors at the house. She never met a stranger and was always there when needed. In 2007, she became a great grandmother when DeVon (DJ) Fleming JR was born. In 2008, her 2nd great grandson was born, Eric Blanton-Rodriguez. Finally, in April 2013, Jaivon Davis joined the crew. She fondly referred to the three great grandsons as "her boys". These boys were fortunate to know an unconditional love from Maw Maw every day for their entire lives. She was very proud of all three boys and couldn't wait to tell people all about them.

Her hobbies included gardening, cooking and taking care of "her boys". She cultivated love everywhere she went whether that was in the garden, the kitchen or just always ensuring everyone in the house was taken care of each and every day. She was loved by all and will be truly missed.

She is survived by her daughter, Teresa Wallace (Steve), granddaughters Brittany Blanton, Caitlin Blanton, Janine Wallace and Rochelle Wallace, Great grandsons DeVon Fleming Jr, Eric Blanton-Rodriguez and Jaivon Davis. Siblings, Delores Green of Pfleugerville, TX and Billy Brantley of Jennings Fl and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Sidney (Buddy) Park, parents Mark and Arbena Brantley and siblings Vera Kathaleen, Charles Franklin Brantley Sr, and Mary Katherine Lee.

The family will receive friends from 4pm-8pm Friday, September 22, 2023 at A.S. Turner and Sons 2773 North Decatur Rd. Decatur, GA 30033.

Online condolences can be made at www.asturner.com.

A celebration of life will be held at 2:00pm at The Church at Decatur Heights, 735 Sycamore Drive, Decatur GA 30030.