Barbara Jane Eskridge

Barbara Eskridge of East Ridge died Friday, May 27, 2011. She was 77.

A loquacious and engaging character who loved books and people, she was a longtime friend and patron of the library, always volunteering to serve behind the scenes. At the Eskridge house every Monday night was library night, and all her life she had a stack of books – always nonfiction- beside her wherever she was.

She is the widow of Bill Eskridge, revered longtime teacher and basketball coach at McCallie School.

As the president of the Brookfield Garden Club, Barbara pioneered the garage sale as a fund-raising venue. Letter-writing was a well- practiced art; most recently she brought her stationery to her neighborhood bank, wrote a letter of commendation for an employee and delivered it to the manager in person, saving a stamp in the process. Frugal, bright, witty and fun, Barbara was unfailingly thoughtful and positive. She was a champion of the underdog, known for her proactive kindness.

She is survived by a son, Billy Eskridge of Chattanooga, and a daughter, Courtney Keefe Eskridge of Atlanta, sisters Mrs. Marian Weber, Mrs. Delores Allhands, Mrs. Linda Thibaut and one brother James Ehrardt of Illinois. Her husband and a son, John Jay Eskridge, preceded her in death.

A memorial service will be held on Sunday, June 12, 2011 at 2 PM at the McCallie School Chapel. Honorary Pallbearers will be Bill Boyd, Wayne Reynolds, Henry Henegar and Byron Mulligan. Private burial will take place at Chattanooga National Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to The Chattanooga library. Please share your thoughts and memories at www.ChattanoogaValleyViewChapel.com Arrangements are by the Chattanooga Funeral Home Crematory and Florist, Valley View Chapel, 7414 Old Lee Highway, Chattanooga, Tennessee 37421.