Barbara Cook Caston

Barbara Cook Caston was born on May 26, 1942 in Hall County, third in a line of nine children.  Throughout her life, she played mama to her younger siblings, taking great joy in being there to defend and care for them.  The family lived through extreme poverty for most of her life, but her determination and an extremely wide stubborn streak saw her through until her family had the good fortune to move into Melrose Apartments, where they lived in what they considered luxurious accommodations.

She met her soul-mate, Gerald Caston, when she was 16.  She jumped on the back of his motorcycle by mistake, and he wouldn't let her off without the promise of a date.  They dated five weeks and were married for 58 years.  Gerald and Barbara came as a set from that point on---- rarely would you see one without the other.

"Babs" spent years as a homemaker and lovingly raised three kids.  Having quit high school at 16, she decided at 42 to do what SHE had always wanted to do.  She studied for and attained her GED, enrolled at Lanier  Tech and became a licensed cosmetologist.  Opening a salon in their home allowed her to keep an eye on Gerald (who had retired due to macular degeneration) and to become the world's most amazing Nana to her grandchildren.  PJ and Caston Davis spent every weekday from birth to age 5 under the guidance and loving "discipline" of Nana and Papa.  There are no words to express how much they learned and were loved in those years.  Barbara was the original "Tiger Mom"--- you didn't mess with her kids or grandchildren.  She was at every play and every ball game yelling louder than anyone--usually at a referee.

Over the years, she was always the one to take care of everyone who needed it.  She was a devoted daughter, sister and aunt to a large number of family members.  She volunteered at Fair Street School as long as her health allowed.  She will always be remembered as being kind, generous and loving.

She lost her precious Gerald January 12, 2017 and she was lost without him.  We celebrate that they are together again in Heaven.

She was also preceded in death by her parents Mary Elizabeth Cook and Benjamin Franklin Cook, her siblings Muriel Cook Kellogg, Marie Cook Teague Froeliger, Judy Cook Ivey, Jimmy Lee Cook and her grandson, Charles Scott Caston.  She was also preceded by brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Don Caston, Ruth Caston, Laney Caston, Lula Caston, Frances Caston Shelton and Ed Shelton, and niece Bonnie Caston Bulheller and nephew Daniel Kellogg.

Barbara is survived by her children Kim (Phil) Davis, Keith (Gina) Caston, Wayne (Debbie) Caston, grandchildren, PJ (Lauren) Davis, Caston Davis, Harrison Caston, Sarah Claire Caston and Ross Caston, and great grandchild Tripp Davis.  She is also survived by siblings/siblings-in-law; Rosa Lee Boster, Janie (Carlton) Whitlow, Darrel Ivey, Bill Froeliger, Benny (Susie) Cook, Mary (Ricky) Croy  Williams, Joan Cook, Deborah Cook and many nieces and nephews.

Our gratitude goes to our friends at GFD Station 2.  We also want to publicly thank the neighbors of Lakeview Circle who have cared for and watched after Gerald and Barbara for 49 years.

Funeral services will be at 4:00 p.m. Sunday April 23, 2017 in the chapel of Little & Davenport Funeral Home.  Rev. Maxey Ladd will officiate.  Interment will follow in the Alta Vista Cemetery.  The family will receive friends Saturday April 22 from 5-7 p.m. at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Fair Street School, Tybee Island Scholarship Fund, 695 Fair Street, Gainesville, GA  30501.

Those wishing to send online condolences to the family may do so at littledavenport.com

Little & Davenport Funeral Home and Crematory, 355 Dawsonville Highway, SW, Gainesville, Ga.  30501 is in charge of arrangements.