Barbara Ann Verneal Gaffney

Barbara Ann Verneal Gaffney, also loving known as “Bugee” and “Babrann”, was born on April 8, 1940, in Sylacauga, Alabama to beloved parents Thessie Elston and Rosie Lee Elston. She accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior at a young age and united with New Hope Missionary Baptist Church, Sylacauga, AL. Later in life, Barbara United with St. Stephen’s Missionary Baptist Church, La Puente, CA, and then Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church, Sylacauga, AL.

She graduated from Phillis Wheatley High School in 1958. In 1959 she met and married the love of her life, Early Gaffney, Jr.. They were blessed with five children, Michael, Vanessa, Tony, Gregory, and Donald. Barbara then went on to graduate from Erie Community College in Buffalo, N.Y., with an Associate's Degree in Nursing in 1975. She loved nursing, and she had a passion for helping people. Barbara was loved through the years by her many patients. She spent much of her nursing career caring for veterans at the Veteran Administration Hospital in Los Angeles, CA.

Barbara was a faithful member of Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church, where she served as a greeter. She enjoyed welcoming church members. Barbara was also a devoted member of her Senior Sunday School Class. She had a sweet spirit, and her love of God was evident to all.

The kitchen was Barbara’s happy place. She simply loved to cook for her family and friends. Barbara enjoyed making Sunday meals and Holiday meals. She delighted in trying new recipes and entertaining family, friends, church members, and neighbors at her home.

Barbara also liked to travel, especially cruising. She cruised her way to Puerto Vallarta, St. Martin, Jamaica, Cabo San Lucas, Nassau Bahamas, and other destinations.

Barbara’s grandsons, granddaughters, and great granddaughter were the joys of her life. She treasured being “Grandma” and “Great Grandma” and loved every minute of it!

Barbara departed this walk of life on July 2, 2024 under the care of Shelby Baptist Medical Center, Alabaster, Alabama.  She was preceded in death by her husband, Early Gaffney, Jr., mother, Rosie Lee Elston, father, Thessie Elston, sister, Abbie Carter, brothers, Thessie Elston, Jr., Alex Elston, and Robert (R.C.) Elston. 

Her love will forever be cherished by her loving children, Michael Johnston, Vanessa McGhee, Tony Gaffney, Gregory Gaffney, and Donald Gaffney;  loving son in law, Leon McGhee; daughter in laws, Camille Gaffney, and Vivian Gaffney; loving grandchildren, Justin McGhee, Tiffany McGhee, Jonathan Gaffney, Nicholas Gaffney, and Bethany Gaffney; loving great grandchild, Reign Jarrett; Rachel Green and Nariah Little whom she loved as if they were her own grandchildren; Ronald Green whom she loved as if he was her own son; brothers, Charles Elston, and David Elston; sister in laws, Annie Ruth Elston, Francis Gaffney, Mary Elston and Gertrude Gaffney; and a host of other relatives, church family, and friends.

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