Barbara Ann Staton Morgan, age 78, of Red Bank, passed away peacefully at home after a long battle with
Parkinson's Disease on Sunday, April 19, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. Born on November 4th in 1947
to L.C. ("Buck") and Willene Staton in Albertville, AL, Barbara, with her parents, moved to Chattanooga, TN,
as a very young child where she remained for the rest of her life. Barbara graduated from Red Bank High
School in 1965 & then became part of the first graduating class of Chattanooga State Technical Institute (now
Chattanooga State Community College) in 1967 with an Associate of Science Degree. After graduation, she
began her career in the Business Office at Chattanooga State where she was soon promoted to Secretary to the
President. Barbara had a long-storied career of 44 years at Chattanooga State with her final position before
retirement as Executive Assistant to the President. Well-respected by colleagues, commenting on her time at
Chattanooga State, Barbara said, "During my years as an employee, I was married, had children, had
grandchildren, and lost parents. My work family was there with friendship and support… Chattanooga State
was a great place to be a student and employee."
Barbara met James Larry Morgan, a US Army Soldier from Georgia, on a blind date. They were married in July
1969, and, together, they built a life filled with love, service, and dedication to their family and church. As a
long-standing member of Berean Baptist Church, Barbara faithfully served as Nursery Coordinator, Sunday
School Teacher, and on the Social Committee for multiple decades. She impacted the lives of many young
children, planting seeds of faith at very young ages.
Her husband, Larry, considers Barbara to be "the heart of their family," and they have enjoyed years of traveling
to the beach and the Smokies, birdwatching drives, and celebrating holidays with children and grandchildren
gathered 'round. Of her many roles, "Nana" was her most precious and cherished. She was devoted to her
seven grandchildren and spent her retirement years delighting in time spent with them.
Barbara enjoyed reading, decorating for Christmas, her daily devotions, word puzzles, basking in the sun, and
shopping. She was a fan of country music, yellow flowers, and rocking babies.
Barbara is survived by her loving husband of 56 years, Larry; daughters Wendy (Jason) Tate and Kelley (Steve)
Hayton; grandchildren Beth, Chris, Meg, Aimee (Ben), Ian, Nic, and Kara; brother Max (Tina) Staton; brother-in-
law Jerry (Julie) Morgan; sister-in-law Sandy (Terry) Hood; and several nieces and nephews. She is
preceded in death by her parents, Buck and Willene Staton; parents-in-law, James and Effie Morgan; and
younger brother Ricky Staton.
A celebration of her life will be held on Thursday, April 23, at 1:00 pm at Hamilton Funeral Home followed by
graveside service and burial at Chattanooga Memorial Park with Pastor Tim Brown officiating. Visitation is on
Wednesday, April 22, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm and on Thursday, April 23, from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm at the
funeral home.
The family would like to express their appreciation to Hearth Hospice for their love and care over the past few
months.