Lona Grace Crook Barth

Lona Grace Crook Barth, 91 of Tuscaloosa, entered the presence of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on March 16, 2026  at the home of her daughter in Tuscaloosa, AL. She was born November 30, 1934 to Edna Earl Elrod Crook and George Edwin Crook in Calhoun, GA.

The family moved to Lizella, GA during her senior year at Calhoun High School. Following graduation Grace joined the family in Lizella. She married Robert E. Barth in 1957, divorcing after several years. Grace raised two wonderful daughters from that marriage with help from her parents. Her daughters and her grandson were the light of her life. She was very active in Lizella Baptist Church, serving as youth leader for many years.

Grace began her career in federal service at age 18 as a clerk at Robins AFB, GA. Her sharp mind and constant desire to grow and learn moved her through the system over her 38-year career from clerk to her final position as War Planning Analyst in logistics. She was a highly respected subject matter expert in her position and was called in during any national emergencies, often spending several days "locked" in the "War Room." During those years, she had several trips to the Pentagon in Washington, transferred to Wright Patterson AFB in Ohio for five years and accepted an assignment for one year at Osan AFB, Seoul, Korea.

After retirement, Grace enjoyed caring for her grandson, Brandon, who she said made being a Grandmom really grand! She always said she loved everywhere she lived and she always made good friends in those places. She lived close to her youngest daughter and grandson in Alabama for several years then moved to Graham, TX in 2013 to spend time with her sister.  In Graham Grace enjoyed many "sister trips" together. The favorite was the trip to New York, complete with buying one another a felt hat (red of course for Grace) followed by a carriage ride through Central Park under falling snow. They had a wonderful time talking about early family days when she used to go from work to Arthur Miller dance lessons then come home and teach that lesson to brother Corrie. He became quite the dancer. After almost ten years in Graham, Grace moved to live with her oldest daughter and son-in-law in Tuscaloosa, AL.

Grace is survived by her daughters, Barbara Barth Nichols (Dow), Gail Barth Horn (Jimmy), sister, Reta McCallum (Wayne), grandson, Brandon Mullis (Nicole), step-granddaughter, Isabelle Nichols, step-grandson, Aaron Nichols (Valerie) along with many beloved nieces and nephews and other extended family and friends. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, Edna and George Crook, and her brothers, Corrie N. Crook and Harry David Crook.

A family Celebration of Life Service will be held at the family plot at Oconee Baptist Church, Commerce, GA  at 11:00 am on April 11, 2026

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Hospice of West Alabama, 3851 Loop Rd, Tuscaloosa, AL 35404 or Oconee Baptist Church, 4554 Hwy 82N, Commerce, GA 30529.