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Barbara L. Ackerman
1933 - 2018

From the old hymn, To God be the glory! Great things He hath done.

My beloved mother, Barbara Lenz Ackerman, 84 years old, was born to Josephine and Henry Lenz on March 9, 1933. She was welcomed into our Savior's arms on March 7, 2018. She was raised in a loving, Christian home and attended local schools. She graduated from Pensacola High School. She married her high school sweetheart, John M. Ackerman, Jr. on May 21, 1951.

She worked in civil service at NAS. She then became the best stay at home mother anyone could ever ask for. In later years she worked in customer service at Gayfer's and retiring from Dillard's. To have known her you would know our home became known as the "Gayfer's Annex." She could spot a clearance rack a mile away and subsequently she bought for everyone dear to her. She was convinced there would be a Gayfers in the Heaven shopping mall. She also served as the Precinct Clerk for Voting Precinct 83. She was kept busy trying to keep up with John, her husband, as he was trying to outdo her on shopping for the newest, latest and greatest appliances and electronics bought from Gulf Power Company, his employer. We envision Dad standing in the ante room of heaven wanting the checkbook from mom!

Barbara was involved with her daughter's PTA, Girl Scouts, church choir, vacation bible school, and teaching Sunday school. She served in the nursery at First Baptist Church of Pensacola for over 30 years - one of her favorite things to do was rock the "FBC babies."

Barbara was an established member of FBC of Pensacola. She was a member of the Heritage Club. She knew her Lord and Savior and lived a devoted Christian life. She was a role model to many through her faithfulness and winning attitude. When her home was completely destroyed by hurricane Ivan her view was, "I see this as a way of Jesus finally cleaning my house (because I don't like to) and now it's time to start over! Let's go shopping!"

Barbara was preceded in death by her husband of 49 years, John M. Ackerman; her infant son, John M. Ackerman, III; her parents and in-laws; and her brother, Clifford T. Lenz (Mary).

She leaves to carry on her legacy, her devoted daughter, Tamara A. Ackerman; her adored grand-daughter, Tiffany A. Ackerman; her sister, Louise Jarrard. She leaves behind her nieces and nephews who will carry on her faith and good works. Barbara loved her kitties, Lollie, Essie, Maxwell and Obama (all rescues). Montana, her favorite little doxie will be waiting his turn in heaven to sit beside her as she feeds him food better than we had.

Tamara and Tiffany would like to acknowledge the love, care, support and compassion to mom's special angel that has walked beside us on this journey, Sandra K. Linton. Our gratitude to the best neighbors a family could have, over 50 years, Margaret and James Hansen. Our hearts were particularly blessed by the presence of Neal Kinard, the outreach minister of FBC. Not only was she Tamara's 2nd grade teacher but she would later become the best friend mom could have during this part of her journey home. A special thank you to Dr. Jaulook and the staff of Baptist Hospital. Your care exceeded all of our expectations.

There will be a visitation, Tuesday, March 13th, from noon to 1:00 at the First Baptist Church of Pensacola, Pleitz Chapel, 500 N. Palafox St., Pensacola. Those that choose to will reconvene by car at a location near NAS. From there the cortege will enter NAS and be directed to graveside services at 2 pm. Services will be led by Dr. Ross Lankford and Neal Kinard.

We love you to the moon and back, mom.
Well done, my good and faithful servant.

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