Barbara Gail Sandefur

Today, we gather to honor the life of a remarkable woman — Barbara Gail Johnson Sandefur. A beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and faithful servant of Yeshua.

Barbara was a woman of quiet strength and unwavering devotion. Despite facing the challenges of dementia and Parkinson’s in her later years, her spirit never faltered. Her love endured — fierce, full, and steadfast — just as it always had been.

She was the proud mother of seven children, each of whom carries a piece of her heart and wisdom. Her love multiplied over the years as she welcomed 18 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren into her arms — and oh, how deeply she loved them all. Nothing brought her more joy than being surrounded by her family, hearing their laughter, watching their lives bloom, and praying over each and every one of them.

Barbara’s faith was the foundation of her life. She lived for Yeshua — not just in name, but in every breath, every act of kindness, every lesson passed down. Her Bible was worn, not from age, but from use. One of her greatest joys was studying scripture alongside her baby sister, Rebecca Richardson. Their shared love for the Word was a bond that brought light into even the darkest of times.

Barbara didn’t seek the spotlight. She lived humbly, with grace and quiet courage. Her wisdom was deep, her heart was generous, and her faith was steadfast. She taught us that true strength comes from faith, that family is a gift to be cherished, and that love — real, enduring love — is what carries us through.

Today, as we say goodbye, we hold fast to her memory and the legacy she leaves behind. We’ll carry her love in our hearts, her prayers in our spirit, and her faith in our lives. Though we grieve, we do so with hope — knowing she is now whole and at peace in the arms of her Savior and reunited with lost loved ones.

Shortly before her passing, even with a weary mind, several of us got to witness her faith still as fervent as ever when she suddenly proclaimed “ I know something that you all should know. I know about my Savior! And I’m not scared at all.”

Her primary goal is life was to see her family come to accept the love of Yahweh.

Rest well, Mama. You ran the race. You kept the faith. And your love will live on through us all.

She is survived by her devoted husband of 37 years, Gary Sandefur. 3 sons: Johnny Cardwell, Lance Cardwell, and Rodney Sandefur. And 2 daughters: Cheryl Pizarro, and Crystal Allen. She was preceded in death by her beloved son Chayne Cardwell.

Funeral services will be Tuesday, August 5, 2025, 2:00 p.m. at the Qualls Batesville Funeral Service Chapel with Bro. John High officiating. Burial will follow in the Center Grove Cemetery at Charlotte. 

Arrangements by Qualls Funeral Homes.

Visitation will be Tuesday, August 5, 2025, 1:00 p.m. until service time at the funeral home. 

Pallbearers: Peyton Allen, Gavin Allen, Dawson Allen, Will Sandefur, Kenneth Cardwell, Johnny Ray Dillion Cardwell, Brandon Cardwell, Zach Cardwell

She’d want to let little Zavian off the hook this time.