Ms. Gloria Annette Barr

Gloria Annette Barr, 92, passed away peacefully at Alexian Village of Tennessee on Wednesday, April 8, 2020. Gloria is remembered as a beloved aunt, friend, schoolteacher, animal advocate, humanitarian, and nature-lover.

Gloria was born and spent most of her life in Chattanooga. She attended Normal Park Elementary, Northside Junior High, and City High in Chattanooga, but graduated from Abraham Lincoln High when her family lived briefly in San Jose, California. Gloria’s family returned to Chattanooga where she received a BA from University of Chattanooga and an MA from University of Tennessee Chattanooga. Gloria started her career as a case worker in the Tennessee Department of Public Welfare, and a few years later began a 36-year career as schoolteacher at Anna B. Lacey Elementary School until it closed in 1985, then at Spring Creek Elementary until she retired in 1990. She was a member of the Chattanooga Hamilton County Retired Teachers Association and Alpha Delta Kappa, an international honorary organization for women educators.

As a nature-lover, Gloria enjoyed hiking and the outdoors. She supported several Tennessee nature conservation organizations. As an active member and secretary of the Cumberland Hiking Club, Gloria visited many national parks. Gloria was particularly fond of the seaside and light houses. Gloria’s world travels with family and friends took her many places including Bermuda, Ecuador, West Indies, Galapagos Islands, Cuba, England, Scotland, Ireland, Mexico and Canada. Closer to home, Gloria was a long-time member of Grace Episcopal Church and participated in community outreach programs. She supported local animal shelters and adopted several dogs over the years. Gloria lived her life according to the philosophy that life’s blessings are multiplied by giving generously of one’s self and one’s wealth. She regularly gave her time and money to organizations that support causes she was passionate about.

Although Gloria never married or had children, her dogs and her close friends were like family to her. Gloria is survived by two nephews, Russell Barr (Sandy) of Decatur, AL and Douglas Barr (Catherine) of Huntsville, AL; three nieces, Peggy Barr of Riverside, CA, Kathy Barr of Huntsville, AL and Mary Barr of Los Alamos, NM; multiple grandnieces, grandnephews, great-grandnieces and great-grandnephews, and the many close friends she considered family.

Gloria’s parents Thomas Albert Barr, Sr. and Nellie Story Barr, and her brother Thomas Albert Barr, Jr. preceded her in death. She is predeceased by her cherished Winston, a Cocker Spaniel and Buffy, a Pomeranian. Her beloved Shih-Tzu, Maxx died in 2021.

A memorial service will be held at Grace Episcopal Church in Chattanooga at 1:30 pm on June 12, 2022, with the Reverend April Berends officiating. Visitation will start at 1:00 pm at the church. Arrangements are by the East Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, 404 South Moore Road, East Ridge, TN 37412.

Memorial donations may be made to Grace Episcopal Church or to the Community Foundation of Greater Chattanooga Winston Fund or Belvedere Fund.