Barbara Sue (Tolliver) Hayford

Barbara Sue Tolliver Hayford, age 84, of Madisonville, Texas and formerly of Palestine, Texas, entered into the presence of her Lord and Savior on March 31, 2026, surrounded by the peace and promise of eternal life. She was born on May 13, 1941, in Phelps, Kentucky, to the late James Monroe Tolliver and Caroline Scarberry Tolliver.

Barbara was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Robert Vernon Hayford, with whom she shared a life built on love, devotion, and faith. She was also preceded in death by her parents; her brothers Vernon Tolliver, Thurman Tolliver, and James Martin Tolliver; and her sisters Loretta Tolliver and Yvonne Tolliver Burchett and brother-in-law, Ronald Burchett.

She leaves behind to cherish her memory her brother, Alvin Tolliver, of Texas; her sister-in-law, Betty Milam Tolliver, of Texas; along with many nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and great-nephews whom she loved dearly. Barbara is also survived by extended family and loved ones in Florida.

Barbara lived a life of service and dedication to others. She worked faithfully for many years as a school bus driver for the Columbus, Ohio school system and later for the Chicago/Elgin, Illinois school systems. She took great pride in safely caring for the children entrusted to her each day and was known for her reliability, patience, and warm spirit.

In addition to her professional life, Barbara was a longtime volunteer with the American Red Cross and Meals on Wheels answering the call to serve wherever help was needed. Her life reflected a quiet but steadfast commitment to compassion, generosity, and Christian service.

Barbara was a devoted wife, a loving aunt, and a woman of deep faith. She found joy in baking for others, traveling, and she treasured the fellowship of her church family, especially the close bond she shared with her fellow church widows. Her home and her heart were always open, and she was happiest when surrounded by family, faith, and fellowship.

Barbara’s life was a testament to humility, kindness, and trust in God’s promises. She walked faithfully, loving deeply, and serving selflessly, leaving behind a legacy that will continue to inspire those who knew her.

Funeral services to celebrate Barbara’s life are to be conducted at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, April 6, 2026 at Calvary Christian Center in Oakwood, Texas, with Bro. Jack Smith officiating the service.  Friends are invited to visit with the family one hour prior to the start of the service at Calvary Christian Center.

Barbara will be laid to rest at Florida National Cemetery, a place of honor reflecting a life well lived and a love that endures beyond this world.

In lieu of flowers, please direct donations toward Shriners Children’s Hospital at www.shrinerschildrens.org.   

Scripture of peace and hope:

“He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.”
-Revelation 21:4

“Well done, good and faithful servant… enter into the joy of your Lord.” -Matthew 25:23

Though she will be deeply missed, her family rejoices in the assurance that she is now at rest, healed, and reunited with those who went before her, dwelling forever in the presence of the Lord.

Funeral services for Barbara Sue Tolliver Hayford are in care of Rhone Funeral Home, 3900 S. State Highway 19, Palestine, Texas. Please visit her online memorial tribute at www.rhonefuneralhome.com, where words of comfort and condolence may be shared electronically with her family.

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