Nearly 100 people show up to support Ingles worker told to stop praying for customers

BARTOW COUNTY, Ga. — A prayer vigil was held Wednesday night for a woman who says she's been asked to stop praying at work.

Nearly 100 people showed up to support "Ms. Barbara," who has been praying for customers for years at an Ingles store in Cartersville, where she works as a cashier.

"We're here to support Ms. Barbara. Even though she does not want the publicity, the woman needs to be recognized," supporter Kurt Viert told Channel 2's Justin Wilfon.

"I told them I thought it was a sad day, that we could not have Ms. Barbara pray for us again," supporter Sherry Rogers said.

Ms. Barbara declined to comment, but her supporters said management asked her to stop praying this week after a customer complained, claiming the prayers were leading to a long line.

"She's very discreet. She doesn't take a long time," Rogers said.

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Many said they count on Ms. Barbara's prayers to lift their spirits.

"When she hands you your receipt, she will lightly touch your hand and she'll say, ‘May I pray for you?'" Rogers said.

Now, her supporters are the ones praying the store management will change its mind.

"There's people who come in here who don't buy a thing. They just go through Ms. Barbara's line hoping she'll pray for them," Rogers said.

Wilfon talked with two people at Ingles corporate headquarters Wednesday. They eventually directed him to a third person, but so far, he has received no formal response from the company.

Cox Media Group