Barbara Spiva

Barbara Spiva passed away Saturday, September 24, 2022 at the Hayesville House, in Hayesville, North Carolina.  Barabara was born May 16th, 1936 in Habersham County, Georgia to Carl Lloyd and Elizabeth Wall Spiva.

Barbara is survived by a sister, Ann S. Wilson, and a brother, Arthur (Virginia) Spiva. Both reside in Hiawassee in Towns County, Georgia.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Carl Lloyd Spiva and Elizabeth Wall Spiva; sister, Rachel H. Smith; brother, Carl Spiva Jr.; and sister, Mary S. Arrowood.

She graduated from Towns County High School in 1953 with honors as the salutatorian. Shortly after graduation, she moved to Atlanta, Georgia, where she resided until her return to Towns County in 2015.

She started her successful career as a phone operator for Southern 
Bell. She remained with this company and its successors until her retirement. During her career, she received numerous promotions while assuming greater responsibilities. These included secretary to the head of human resources. The next step was senior secretary to the president of Southern Bell. She was selected to implement the EEOC Program for the company. This included training in Washington D.C. with the EEOC Commission. 

Prior to her retirement, she was head of Yellow Page Advertising for Bell South, which was the successor to Southern Bell.

Even with her corporate responsibilities, she attended Georgia State University, majoring in Psychology.

She was devoted to and loved her family. She provided moral and fiscal support to all. She never missed birthdays of her family and often hosted dinner during the holidays.

Prior to her death, she was diagnosed with Alzheimer Disease. The family is grateful for the care and support provided by Ivy Springs Manor in Buford, GA, Brasstown Manor in Hiawassee, GA, and Hayesville House in Hayesville, NC, and Good Shepherd Hospice.

Funeral Service is Wednesday, September 28, 2022 at 2:00 PM at Lower Hightower Baptist Church in Hiawassee, Georgia.  Interment will follow in the church cemetery.

The Family will receive friends at Cochran Funeral Home in Hiawasee on Wednesday, September 28, 2022 from 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM.

The following gentlemen will serve as pallbearers; David Burton, Brian Underwood, Roy Smith, Mark Smith, Jim Wilson, and Jay Wilson.

Cochran Funeral Home is honored to serve the Family of Barbara R Spiva.  Sign the guest register and send condolences online at www.cochranfuneralhomes.com.