Barbara Ferguson Eza

Barbara Ferguson Eza, 73, died peacefully with family by her side, in Athens, Georgia, on November 14, 2024, after a short illness. 

A resident of Oconee County for 45 years, Barb was born in North Plainfield, New Jersey, in 1951, the daughter of Russell and Laura (Telander) Ferguson who preceded her in death. Barb lived and attended schools in North Plainfield up until the age of 15, when she moved with her family to Bolivia where her father accepted an assignment with the United Nations. She graduated from the American Cooperative School in Cochabamba, Bolivia in 1969 after which she moved to Logan, Utah, to attend Utah State University. While attending school at USU, she met her husband, Doug Eza, also a student there. They were married in New Britain, Connecticut, in 1971. Barb received her Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work in 1973 after which Barb and Doug moved to Barksdale AFB, Louisiana, where Doug was stationed as an Air Force weather officer and where Barb taught high school Spanish for three years. In 1976 they were reassigned to Spangdahlem Air Base in Germany where they spent the next three years.

Following separation from military service in 1979, Barb and Doug moved to Georgia to attend graduate school at the University of Georgia, settling in Oconee County. Barb received her Master’s of Social Work degree in 1980 which was followed by proudly earning certification as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. She served for 11 years as a social worker for the Rutland Psychoeducational Center and Clarke County Schools in Athens, then became the first professional social worker for the Oconee County School District in 1992. Barbara retired from Oconee County Schools in 2009 and in 2014 was inducted into the Oconee County School System Hall of Fame.

Barb enjoyed life to its fullest and always considered challenges to be exciting “adventures.” Among her many passions were: traveling with Doug; hiking and tent-camping in national parks, forests and other wildlands; continually perfecting her skills as a baker of delicious artisan breads; and playing with her now-5-year-old grandson Milo. She enjoyed helping people, often volunteering in the Athens and Oconee County communities. Barb began every day by walking or running several miles in the early morning light and she was proud to have completed several half-marathon races. She loved full moons and sunsets. 

Besides her husband Doug, she is survived by her daughter Rebecca Eza (Andy Potter) and her grandson Milo. Barb is also survived by one brother, David Ferguson, and by five sisters: Sandy (John) Harrigan; Pam (Walt) Ferguson; Lore (Rich) Pirog; Jane (Ralph) Ferguson and Kate Burns.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM on November 23, 2014 at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 800 West Lake Drive, Athens, Georgia, where Barb has been a long-time member. In lieu of flowers, Barb would be happiest with memorial contributions to the endowment fund at Holy Cross, or to organizations that make Planet Earth a better place either by helping people in need or by working for a cleaner, healthier natural environment.

Lord and Stephens, West is in charge of arrangements. 

www.lordandstephens.com