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Barbara Macon of Duluth passed away May 12, 2021, surrounded by her four loving daughters. Prior to her passing, she spent a perfect last Mother’s Day weekend doing what she loved most; on Saturday she Stewarded a horse show, and on Sunday she relaxed with her family.
An Atlanta native, Barbara grew up in Morningside and graduated from Grady High School. Recently, in 2019, she enjoyed a visit with old friends at her high school class reunion. She attended Stephens College in Columbia, Missouri.
Her life’s passion began as a young girl when she fell in love with horses. She remained passionate about horses, and the equestrian world, her entire life. From 1960 to 1981, Barbara managed a six stall barn located at the family home in Brookhaven. There Barbara instilled her love of horses to her children and countless neighbors, from beginners of all ages to developing champions.
Barbara was a trainer, judge, and high school equestrian team coach (I.E.A), and served as a board member, and Steward, of the Georgia Hunter Jumper Association (G.H.J.A.).
Her experience, knowledge of rules and procedures, and proper conduct at horse shows, earned her the position as Head of the Steward’s Committee of the G.H.J.A.. She hosted well over fifty G.H.J.A. rated and non-rated horse shows. For over sixty years, Barbara purchased, sold, and trained horses and ponies.
Barbara was an esteemed member and foxhunter with the Shakerag Hunt Club for twenty years. She oversaw the riding program at Camp Illahee in Brevard, N.C., from 1970 to 1973, and particularly enjoyed that her four daughters joined her in these endeavors.
An excellent role model, Barbara was honest, efficient, and organized. You could always count on her to speak candidly and honestly. She had a profound impact on everyone who knew her and will be missed by all.
Barbara was preceded in death by her husband, Randy Macon, and two brothers. Barbara is survived by four daughters: Laurie Topping (Tom), Lynne Tanner, Jan Wolbrecht (John), Jenny Vanderslice (Rod), ten grandchildren, and two great grandchildren.
A celebration of life will be held Tuesday, May 25th at 2:00 PM in the covered arena of the Wills Park Equestrian Center in Alpharetta. Casual attire is acceptable.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Wills Park Equestrian Foundation. https://willsparkfoundation.com/ or The Bill Russell Memorial Foundation, a 501c3 non-profit organization created by the Russell Family in his memory. It is dedicated to helping horsemen and their families in times of need. The mission of the BRM Foundation is to carry on his tradition of generosity and horsemanship and to support the equestrian community as they were. Online donations may be made via PayPal at paypal.me/BRMFOUNDATION
Lee Steenhuis says
Laurie, Lynn, Jan and Jenny,
I hope and pray for all of us to stay in touch, stay well and stay happy. Our mothers and fathers would want it that way. I remember y’all as our first friends. Sending love. So glad I made the trip to Duluth not too long ago to visit your mother on my own. Such a nice visit!!
Dailinda L Carmichael says
Lynn ,
You and your family are in our hearts and minds. Our condolences in the passing of your mother .
Alan , Daylyn and Adam
Karla Zanders Postma says
Mrs. Macon as we knew her at Le bon coeur stable was an amazing mentor and teacher. She was my riding instructor from when I was 9-15 years old and some during my time riding on the UGA equestrian team in the 80’s. To this day I still hear her unique southern voice in my head when I ride. She touched so many lives and will be missed. Love and prayers are with her loved ones and thank you for sharing her with us. Karla
Mandy Glenn says
My sweet Barbara was my 1st horseback riding teacher, and I truly adore her to this day. I begged for lesson from my family a found Barbara at Turnkey Stables. She would not do the hard work for you, but she would teach you how to do it yourself. My favorite small barn schooling shows she was just the best and was very complimentary when things went well. When you’d could not figure things out and she was sitting in her office, she would let you work it out on your own because she knew you could. To know her was to love her. RIP sweet Barbara Macon.
Mandy Glenn says
I have video footage of Barbara coaching us at Falconridge Stables in the 90’s. Any family members feel free to reach out to me. We also have footage of Jenny Macon on Joe Cool in her jumper class. Mandyjglenn@gmail.com
Charles McKinney says
I worked for Barbara at Turnkey Stables in Alpharetta back when I was 16 and 17 (I’m 45 now) and to this day I’ve always thought about her and my time working there. She had a horse named Baby there that she bottled fed at birth. Baby would try to Nip anyone who came by except Barbara, that was her momma. Thankyou Barbara for always being so kind to me, Prayers for the family, Charles