Services for Barbara Riales Rayburn were held graveside at 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 6, 2023, in Evergreen Cemetery in North Carrollton, Miss., with the Rev. Ed McDaniel officiating. Visitation was held on Friday, May 5, 2023, from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. at Wilson and Knight Funeral Home in Greenwood.
Barbara peacefully passed away at her home in Little Rock, Ark., on Tuesday, May 2, 2023. She was born in Carrollton, Miss., to Presson and Loraine Riales, who preceded her in death along with her only sister, Peggy Riales Jones. She is survived by her husband of 62 years, Samuel Thomas Rayburn Jr. of Carrollton and Little Rock, and son, Samuel Thomas Rayburn III and his wife Shelly of Little Rock. She is also survived by her three loving grandchildren, Sam, Jackson and Ann Riales, as well as several nieces and nephews that were very special to her.
Mrs. Rayburn graduated from J.Z. George High School in Carrollton in 1956 and Delta State College in 1959. She began her career teaching junior high English at J.Z. George, while living in Leland. She later worked in Child Protective Services at DHS in Washington County. After 37 years at DHS, she retired and returned home to Carroll County, where she particularly enjoyed working in her garden. She was active in the Junior Auxiliary, the Cherokee Garden Club and was a member of First Baptist Church of Carrollton. For the last six years of her life, she and her husband lived near her family in Little Rock.
She was happiest in the company of her family, her husband being her constant companion. She was especially cherished for her intelligence and insight and was an invaluable problem solver with her experience and wisdom. Her grandchildren loved spending time with their beloved “BB.”
Special thanks to her remarkable caregivers during the last months of her life.
Wilson and Knight is in charge. An online guest book may be signed at www.wilsonandknight.com.
