Barbara Mallard

Barbara Jean Mallard, age 82 of Tallahassee, formerly of Gainesville passed away Friday, December 27, 2024, in Tallahassee. She was born February 28, 1942, in Gainesville to Don and Willie Mae (Hancock) Mallard. Prior to retiring she was a schoolteacher in Alachua County and an avid Florida Gator fan. She was known to be fearless, adventuresome, giving to a fault, and ALWAYS wearing a smile. She loved to socialize, travel, shop, study the Bible, and watch the Florida Gators. She especially loved getting together with family & friends including the “Lunch Bunch” from high school once a month. In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by her siblings Jake Mallard, Warren Mallard, Joyce Massie, nephews Don Mallard, Bruce Massie and Rhett Mallard. She is survived by nieces and nephews that she thought of and loved as her own, Darya Mallard, Doug Mallard, Derek Mallard, Lee Jones, Elaine Harris, Delia Lander, Shayna Rainey, in addition to 13 great nieces & nephews, and 7 great-great niece & nephews, along with her extended family members and a host of close friends that will miss her dearly. A memorial service for Barbara will be held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, January 11, 2025, in the Milam Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Justin Brown officiating. Arrangements are under the care of MILAM FUNERAL HOME, INC., 311 s. Main St., Gainesville, FL 32601. (352) 376-5361. www.milamfh.com

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A Tribute to Barbara..........

Aunt Barbara was a living miracle and an example of how to be a Christian. There are many of us who could learn from her impressively positive attitude and positive outlook on life, regardless of the many obstacles thrown in her way. She didn’t believe in giving up, possessed more gumption than most, and instead focused on giving to others, always ready to lend a helping hand or moral support, and never without a smile. Her happy presence was contagious, and she quickly became the favorite patient, favorite teacher, etc. She was giving to a fault, and many would say she had more class in her pinkie than most have all over. Aunt Barbara was fearless and always ready for that next adventure, whether it was going on a middle of the night “drive” with coffee and socializing, the 1:00am shopping spree for last minute gifts, swinging high on a Sky coaster with her great nephews and nieces, and even flying high on a real hang glider 2,500 ft in the air. More recently she truly cherished having Bible Study and greatly looked forward to sharing Bible Study with her nephew as often as she could. She believed in nurturing relationships with family and friends and still enjoyed getting together with friends from high school for “Lunch Bunch”. It was often said by even strangers that “Everyone needs an Aunt Barbara in their life” and she will be greatly missed.