Barbara Annette Sport

Barbara Butts Sport, age 91, passed away on May 8, 2026 surrounded by the love of her family. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and servant of her community, Barbara's greatest gift was making others feel welcome, valued, and deeply loved. Her warm spirit, gentle kindness, and unwavering devotion to family left a lasting impression on all who knew her.

Barbara was born on January 13, 1935, to Ezra L. Butts and Nata Watson Butts in Patsburg, Alabama. She graduated as a proud member of the Luverne High School Class of 1953 and earned an Associates Degree from Lurleen B. Wallace Community College. On December 12, 1952, she married the love of her life, Joe Rex Sport. Together they built a home centered on faith, love, and family, raising five children and creating a legacy that continues through generations.

Barbara dedicated many years of service to her community through her work as Postmaster of the Patsburg Post Office, Luverne Bank and Trust, Colonial Bank, and later at the Crenshaw County Board of Registrars. Barbara was known for her kindness, graciousness, and the genuine care she showed to every person she encountered.

Though she answered to many names throughout her life, "Gommie" was the title she treasured most. Her grandchildren were the light of her life, and she instilled in them the values of faith, kindness, humility, hard work, and compassion for others. Through her example, she taught her grandchildren the importance of treating people with love and respect and living a life rooted in service and grace.

Barbara loved to travel and treasured the opportunity to experience God's creation through nature, music, and time spent with those she loved most. She had a deep appreciation for the arts; and was an accomplished pianist with a beautiful alto voice and enjoyed painting. Some of her happiest moments were family gatherings, whether in her home or at the beloved farmhouse in Patsburg, where laughter and togetherness created cherished memories. Barbara was the epitome of a Southern lady; carrying herself with grace, dignity, quiet strength, and timeless charm.

A woman of deep and abiding faith, Barbara was a lifelong member of Patsburg Baptist Church, where she served as pianist, choir member, and Sunday School teacher for many years. Her life reflected the love of Christ through quiet acts of service and a heart devoted to others.

She is survived by her children, Kayle Sport, Gary (Cathy) Sport, Derri Sport Verchot (Brian), Tom (Bev) Sport, and Scott (Colleen) Sport; her grandchildren, Adam (Brittany) Sport, Haley (Max) Kunstmann, John (Ashley) Andress, Holland (Jason) Pouncey, Susannah (Hunter) Weaver, Callie Armstrong, Lauren Sport, Cate Sport, and Joe Sport; her beloved great-grandchildren, Harlow and Pynes Pouncey, Olivia and Mills Kunstmann, Ellison and Beckett Sport, Ben Andress, and Mary Thomas Weaver. She is also survived by her brother, Terry L. Butts (Suze).

Barbara will be remembered for her welcoming smile, her servant's heart, and the unconditional love she shared so freely. Her legacy of faith, family, and kindness will continue to live on in all who were blessed to know and love her.