Barbara Leigh Stanley Batts

Rocky Mount – Barbara Leigh Stanley Batts, age 90, passed away on Saturday, January 24, 2026.  Born in Johnston County, NC on December 7, 1935, she was the daughter of the late Wade Hampton Stanley and Mary “Alice” Parks Stanley.  She was also preceded in death by her husband, Jefferson Davis “Jeff” Batts, whom she met at Wake Forest University in 1957, and was married for 56 wonderful years.

Barbara was a member of First Baptist Church in Rocky Mount for 68 years.  She taught Sunday School for almost all of those years to adults of all ages, served as a Deacon, and was in charge of numerous classes and activities including writing and directing church drama programs.  She served the Rocky Mount community by volunteering as a guardian ad litem and leading a drama ministry program at Fountain Correction Center.  Many Rocky Mount natives will remember her as their Earth Science teacher at Edwards Junior High.  She was a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and dear friend to many.  She was very generous with her time, talents, and resources.   Barbara will be deeply missed and never forgotten.

Barbara is survived by her daughter, Amy Batts Bell (Joe); her sons, Michael Stanley “Mike” Batts (Jo) and Jeffrey Arthur Batts (Sarah); her grandchildren, Ashley Batts Gardner (David), Nathan Batts, Nikki Batts Crowson (Ren), Jennifer Batts Patel (Sunil), Casey Batts, Alex Batts (Aubrey), Dr. Spencer Bell (Veronica), Caroline Bell Gaskill (Josh), Dr. Forrest Bell, Sydney Philbeck, and Jake Philbeck; five great-grandchildren; her sister, Judy Stanley Creech (Bobby); her sister-in-law, Maggie Lamm (Billy); and several nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dearest friends.

The family is especially grateful for the kindness and assistance of Wooten Lamm and Georgiana Moody and the staff at the Landings at Rocky Mount Mills.

A Memorial Service to celebrate Barbara’s life will be held on Friday, January 30, 2026, at 4:00 PM at First Baptist Church of Rocky Mount, 200 S Church Street, Rocky Mount, NC 27804, with Rev. Bill Grisham officiating.  Visitation with the family will be following the service at First Baptist Church of Rocky Mount.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Barbara’s memory to First Baptist Church of Rocky Mount, 200 S Church Street, Rocky Mount, NC 27804.

Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804.  You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com.