Miriam Barton Obituary

Miriam Annette Nash Barton, 84, died Saturday, October 18, 2025 at Cypress Pond Senior Care – Seasons Memory Care Unit in Tifton, Georgia.

Graveside services will be held at 2:00 PM on Wednesday, October 22, 2025 at Brushy Creek Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery in Irwin County, Georgia, with Rex Johnson officiating. The family will greet friends following the services at the cemetery.

Miriam was born October 30, 1940 in Irwin County, Georgia to the late Lonnie Eston and Margaret Eleanor Tucker Nash. She was a 1958 graduate of Irwin County High School where she was active in many organizations including Student Council, Beta Club, and 4-H Club. She served as Vice President and President of the local Future Homemakers of America chapter and State Vice President of the organization. Her musical and creative talents shone with her involvement in Glee Club, One-Act Play, Literary Meet, State Chorus, and band. She led the Irwin County High School band her Sophomore, Junior, and Senior years as Drum Majorette. Her musical talents were also exhibited as she played piano, organ, and served as Choir Director of Brushy Creek Primitive Baptist Church for many years during her time as a member of the church.

Miriam worked for the United States Department of Agriculture in the Ben Hill County Office of Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service for 33 years. While there, she served as Program Assistant and then the County Executive Director, earning many Outstanding Performance Awards throughout her time there. She also received an Honorary Membership in the Irwin County Chapter of Future Homemakers and an Honorary Membership in the Ben Hill County Chapter of Young Farmers of America Organization.

She is survived by her son, Jeffrey (Debbie) Sandiford of Ocilla; her daughters, Jennifer (David) Cosper of Valdosta and Jeanine Burton of Abbeville; grandchildren: Jessica Sandiford, Alan (Mallory) Sandiford, Tyler Cosper, Alex (Sarah) Cosper, and Margaret Anne Cosper; great grandchildren: Jase Hudson and Nash Sandiford; a sister, Brenda (Armond) Morris; as well as an uncle, niece, nephew, and many cousins. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Elder Gaston Barton.

The family would like to extend their gratitude to the staff at Cypress Pond Senior Care and Hospice of Tift Area for the compassion and loving care given to Mrs. Barton.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the Brushy Creek Cemetery Fund c/o Sherri Schalch 537 Brushy Creek Church Rd Ocilla, GA 31774 or donations to Alzheimer's Association P.O. Box 96011 Washington, DC 20090-6011

Paulk Funeral Home, Ocilla, is in charge of arrangements.