Barbara E. Stallings, a treasured soprano singer, devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away on Friday, February 6, 2026, in Waynesville, North Carolina. She was born on February 24, 1940, in Scottsville, Kentucky, and her journey through life was marked by her profound love for music and her unwavering compassion for others.

Barbara’s musical talent was a gift that she shared immensely, bringing joy to countless lives as she sang at various churches throughout her life. Following a master’s degree in church music from Scarritt College for Christian Workers (now Peabody College at Vanderbilt University) she came to Rocky Mount, NC as the choir and children’s ministry director for the First Methodist Church. There she nurtured the voices of many, leading them in heartfelt worship creating an atmosphere of warmth and togetherness through song.

The first person in her family to attend college, she earned a bachelor’s degree in English from Middle Tennessee State College and a master’s degree in English from the University of Arkansas, where she proudly became a member of Phi Beta Kappa. Her educational pursuits reflected her intellectual curiosity and her dedication to the art she cherished.

Moving back to her hometown of Nashville TN in 1985 she became director of programs at Forest Hills United Methodist Church. In 1988 she married David and moved to Murfreesboro TN where she taught English as an adjunct professor at Middle Tennessee State University and directed the choir of the Wesley Foundation at the university.

Her church was important to her. She was a Diaconal Minister in the United Methodist Church and was also a Stephen Minister. As a member of First Methodist Church in Waynesville NC she sang in the choir, taught Sunday School and served in many other ways.

Barbara’s vibrant personality and kind spirit made her a beloved figure to those who had the pleasure of knowing her. She was outgoing and friendly, always the first to extend a helping hand, offering kind words, thoughtful cards, or support to anyone in need. Her warmth drew people to her, and she forged lasting friendships throughout her life. A master gardener, Barbara spent countless hours each morning tending to her garden, where she found solace and beauty, mirroring the love and care she offered to others.

In addition to her musical endeavors and gardening, Barbara was an active member, past president, and past secretary of P.E.O. International, a sisterhood organization that empowers, educates, and celebrates women. This involvement exemplified her commitment to uplifting and supporting not only her community but also the women within it.

Barbara is survived by her loving and devoted husband of 37 years, David W. Stallings; her children, Christopher Jefferson Estes (Cherie) of Washington, D.C., Deborah Beth Merritt of Santa Monica, CA, Charles Philip Stallings (Heather) of Plymouth, NC, and Sarah Candace Stallings of Philadelphia, PA; and her cherished grandchildren, Clayton, Ellis, Kai, Philip, Michael, Evangeline June, and Wilson.

She also leaves behind cousins Mary D. Simmons, Kathleen Hardie, Sarah McCall, Joe Simmons, and Jean Simmons, as well as sister-in-law Nancy Simmons of Sandy UT and nephews Paul and Michael Simmons, in addition to many dear friends who were touched by her kindness and love.

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, James A. Simmons and Pearlie Thomerson Simmons; her brothers, Lattie Grey and David Simmons; cousin, John Simmons. Her legacy of love, music, and compassion will continue to resonate in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing her.

A Celebration of Life is will be announced in March.  

Memorials may be made to Lake Junaluska Assembly, Inc., P.O. Box 67, Lake Junaluska, NC 28745, or to a charity of your choice.

The care of Mrs. Stallings has been entrusted to Wells Funeral Home of Waynesville.