Barbara and Geno were the first people we met in Sewanee. Barbara made us feel so welcomed and when we finally found a house to rent she put a watermelon in our refrigerator as a surprise welcome gift. We admired her intellect, her wit and love for her family. What an amazing wife, mother, grandmother and friend. We are all so fortunate to have known her.
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I've known Barbara for almost forty years. We were co-workers at duPont Library for several years and became friends. Over the past couple of weeks I have thought about our time together and what she and her family have meant to me. She was funny, bright, and a dedicated person, both in work and personal relationships. She was a sharer and a caring person - she shared her apricot nectar bundt cake recipe with me and started me down a lifelong path of loving to bake and sharing those cakes with others in both happy and sad times. She cared deeply -- she shared joy with us at our wedding and at the birth of our children and helped when I was sick during my pregnancy -- she and others showed up with a portable birthday party for me at the hospital! She was our liaison as we purchased our dream home in Sewanee and celebrated that joy with us. We talked about plants and her love of all things flamingo. I loved seeing her face light up when she talked about Jami and Ryland - she clearly relished her role as a Grandmother. Barbara touched more lives than she ever imagined - I aspire to be more like her!
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Ryland,
Several years ago (2001) our grandson, Atticus (then a one year old) came to visit in Sewanee. We were so excited to have Atticus, who lived in Wisconsin, come visit us. Barbara knew Atticus was coming so she invited us over just to show him her collection of teddy bears and other stuffed animals. When we arrived the teddy bears and their friends were all lined up in front of the hearth and ready to receive Atticus. Barbara had even left a space in the middle of the teddy bears for Atticus to sit with them.
Your grandmother, Barbara, loved little children and teddy bears are a symbol of that love. Next time you see a teddy bear, I hope you will think of her love for children and especially her love for you.
Jerrie and Tom Lewallen
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Geno and Jamie. I am so sorry about Barbara. I am having a hard time expressing how much she meant to me. During my time at the university, she and I had so much fun. I also had the privilege of working with her after I retired. She was absolutely a bright light. Good memories to the both of you
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Barbara was a lovely woman who cared and helped so many folks in the Domain. She had a light-up the sky smile.
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It was with great sorrow that we heard of Barbara's death. She has left many to grieve her passing. She was a loving & adoring grandmother to Ryland who will certainly miss her. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of the family.
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2022, Whitwell, TN, USA
at Jared & Amanda Davis' wedding
— with
Debbie, Wesley, Jon, Barbara & Sarah
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Barbara was not only my best friend but also my sister, my therapist, my financial advisor, hair designer and any other role I needed her to be. I’ll cherish the memories of our trips to Sonic and especially to DG at Christmas. She was the first person to call me Ter. A part of her will be with me forever. She cared for her family like no other, and had so much love in her heart for Ryland. May you all find comfort in the memories.
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Barbara is truly an amazing woman. Her sense of humor could light up a room within seconds of her engaging in conversation. Her family is the icing on her cake. She will be missed by all.
Heaven gained an angel!
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Barbara and we’re childhood friends from way back. She and I had such great times together growing up together until I moved to Florida. Oh I have some wonderful fun memories we made over the many years God bless the family at this time of grief. Sending love and prayers to all
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In the short time I got to know Barbara she left me with memories of a kind and loving person, an amazing Grandmother to Ryland, Mother to Jamie and wife to Geno. She will be missed. Hugs and love to the family
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Uncle Jami, Ry, Geno, I’m so sorry for you loss. Barbara was a truly kind and caring person and I know she will be missed so much by so many. Sending you all my love xo
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Barbara was my dear friend for more than 20 years. We shared a love for many things-our sons, our grandkids (Ryland and Rylan!), the beach, yard art, breakfast at Waffle House-and so much more. She was one of finest humans that ever walked this earth, and I miss her more than words can describe.
Geno, Jami, and Ryland: You were the center of her universe. She will live in your hearts forever and watch over you always.
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