Barbara Surface Bankston, 73, of Athens, Georgia died on December 14, 2023. The daughter of Cress and Mary Surface, Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, daughter Quinn Bankston, and stepson Dustin Garber. She is survived by husband Mel Garber, daughter Brittany Williams (Eric), stepdaughter Raegan Le Douaron (Julien), grandchildren Lucas and Lucie Le Douaron, sisters Cindi Swilley (Tom), Teresa Bolden (Ed), and nephews Jake Bolden (Theresa), and Ben Bolden (Lindsey).
Barbara was a career educator in the Valdosta and Lowndes County school systems. She was Assistant Principal at Lowndes Middle School and Pine Grove Elementary and Principal at Clyattville Elementary. She served the greater Valdosta community in numerous ways, including the Valdosta Junior Service League and Park Avenue Church. Barbara moved to Athens in 2004 so she could cheer on her beloved Dawgs. During her time in Athens, she also served as Principal of St. Joe’s Elementary School and Monsignor Donovan High School.
Services for Barbara Bankston will be held on Thursday, December 21, at Carson McLane Funeral Home at 11:00 AM with a one hour visitation prior to the service. There will be a reception immediately following the service at Park Place and a private graveside service for the family after the reception.
In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to the Quinn Bankston Fund at Park Avenue Church (100 East Park Avenue, Valdosta, GA 31602) or the University of Georgia CARE Center (Institute of Gerontology, Hudson Hall, University of Georgia, 102 Spear Road, Athens, GA 30602).
McClane Funeral Services and Cremation of Valdosta, GA will be in charge of arrangements.