Barbara Lynn Fernander Schlichting, 69, went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, January 28, 2023.  

Barbara was born May 21, 1953, in Sewanee, TN, to Robert and Lucille Fernander, along with her (preceding) sister Evelyn Jean Mooney, and brother, Bill Fernander (wife-Lynda, son-Jon).

Barbara graduated from the first co-ed class of the Sewanee Military Academy in 1971. Barbara spent her career serving both the community and the University, retiring as the Superintendent of Leases and Community Relations in 2018.  

Barbara married W.E. “Geno” Schlichting and the two became each others’ lifelong companions. They were blessed with a son: Robert Jamison “Jami” Schlichting (wife-Brittany) and four grandchildren: Ryland Schlichting, Kali Brown, and Jaci & Wesley Weldon.

Barbara’s number one passion was being a devoted wife, mother and especially grandmother, while faithfully contributing to her community and the University. She was always serving others, thinking of them before herself, all the while, never wanting recognition. Her service was honored with the Sewanee Community Service Award. She was a very talented painter and artist with a glorious green thumb. She enjoyed spending time at the gym with the “workout crew”, as well as camping, and tirelessly defending her garden from deer, armadillos and other ppl intruders.

Barbara will especially be remembered for her big heart, stubborn determination to defy the odds (specifically when it came to doctors telling her what she couldn’t do) and always making you laugh with her unique sense of humor.  Many, many more words could be used to describe her life, accomplishments, and what she meant to those who knew her best, but they wouldn’t do her justice and she wouldn’t want us to keep talking about her anyways. To say she will be greatly missed does not adequately express who she was, what she meant, and the void her passing has left behind.  

Other surviving family members include: Paul and Shirley Mooney, and many nephews and nieces.

There will be a private graveside service for the family on February 11, 2023 at 12:00. Following the service, a celebration of life will be held at the Sewanee Legion Hall from 2:00-4:00 PM (central standard time) for all to celebrate Barbara.

We have created a memorial website for Barbara on Ever Loved and welcome you to leave a cherished memory or funny story for all to honor her life. Go to wwwEverloved.com and type in Barbara Schlichting.

In lieu of flowers the family asked that all consider a donation to one of her favorite charities: Doctors Without Borders, Feed the Children, or Mid Atlantic Transplant, St. Louis, MO.

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