LAFAYETTE, La. — Ruby Sutherland Barlow, 81, of Water Valley, died Friday, Jan. 8, 2016, in Lafayette, Louisiana. A graveside funeral service was held Tuesday at 1 p.m. at Mobile Memorial Garden Cemetery in Mobile, Alabama. Seven Oaks Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements. 

Born in Water Valley, she earned her master’s degree in Special Education and was instrumental in the development and intervention of severe and profound special needs children in St. Charles Parish where she taught for more than 30 years. She also served in the church as a volunteer and as a Sunday school teacher for most of her adult life. She adored her family, grandchildren and great-grandchild. She enjoyed gardening and had a beautiful yard.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 61 years, the Rev. James Edward Barlow; and three siblings, Russell Sutherland, Sybil Sutherland Dickey and Toy Sutherland.

She is survived by her daughters, Lynda Powell of Satsuma, Alabama and Yvette Harris of Golden, Colorado; her son, Warren Keith Barlow of Luling, Louisiana; seven grandchildren, one great-grandson and numerous relatives and friends.