In Loving Memory of Barbara Jane Searles Lastinger
January 27, 1942 – December 28, 2024
Barbara Jane Searles Lastinger, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on December 28, 2024, at the age of 82.
Born in Rochester, New York, on January 27, 1942, Barbara was the daughter of Herbert and Pauline Searles. She inherited her father’s love of music—Herbert, a Juilliard School of Music New York graduate, was an accomplished pianist and composer who won a baby grand piano for one of his compositions. Barbara’s love for music shone throughout her life as an alto in her church choir, often singing heartfelt solos and duets.
Barbara graduated from Penfield High School and Highland Hospital School of Nursing in Rochester, New York. She later earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Bob Jones University. As a young nurse she travelled to a small, desolate Caribbean Island to assist a missionary doctor in his work. Barbara’s career as a nurse reflected her deep compassion and dedication to helping others. She was a gentle soul who cared deeply for her patients, her friends and especially her family. With her calm and gentle nature, she embraced her role as a devoted wife, mother, and homemaker, building a life rooted in faith, love, kindness and care. Throughout her life, Barbara showed her loving and caring spirit by encouraging her friends and Sunday School class members via cards, emails, phone calls, and texts.
Barbara was married to her husband, James Lastinger of Tifton, Georgia, for 56 years. Together, they created a life filled with faith, love, adventure, and family. From thrilling Corvette rides with James to riding elephants in South Africa, Barbara approached life with enthusiasm and courage. She loved being a mother and poured her heart into raising her children. In her later years, she especially cherished traveling to South Africa to visit her daughter, Michelle, and her family, and spending time with her sons, Shawn and Jay, and his family.
Barbara was preceded in death by her sister, Ann Searles of Rochester, New York, and her son, Shawn Lastinger. She is survived by her husband, James Lastinger; her brother, Chris Searles of Dallas, Texas; her son, Jay Lastinger (Anita) of Duluth, Georgia; her daughter, Michelle Lastinger Murray (Jacobus) of George, South Africa; and her grandchildren: Tiffany, Ava, Hannah, and Nell.
A memorial service celebrating Barbara’s life will be held on January 26, 2025, in the Memorial Chapel of First Baptist Church, Tifton. Visitation will begin at 1:00 PM, with the service following at 2:00 PM, and a reception following immediately after the service at the church.
Barbara’s legacy of faith, love, and joy will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. She will be remembered for her unwavering faith, her devotion to her family, her gentle nature, her beautiful voice, and her adventurous spirit. May you rest well, His good and faithful servant.
In lieu of flowers, please send memorial gifts to the National Institute of Mental Health Gift Fund, 6001 Executive Boulevard, Room 6229A, MSC9655, Bethesda, MD 20892-9655; or give online at www.nimh.nih.gov.