Judy Frances O'Barr Barham

Judy was born in Houston, Mississippi, where she loved growing up on a farm with her parents and sister. She attended Houston High School and received a nursing degree from the Gilfoy School of Nursing in Jackson, during which time she met her husband at Mississippi College. Following their marriage, they lived in Washington, DC and Maryland, where Judy practiced nursing. Their family returned to Mississippi and settled in Clinton in 1975. Judy continued working as a school nurse in the Clinton public school system until retiring to raise her children and to serve the community in which she lived.

Above all, Judy was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. She was happiest when surrounded by family or friends, always doting on her grandchildren, and she served them all tirelessly. Judy loved to laugh, had a great sense of humor, and she spent her days visiting and caring for people in need. She had many passions throughout her life: an avid reader, talented gardener, weather enthusiast, genealogy expert, caretaker of many animals, fan of Elvis, and a dedicated member of her church family. She will be remembered most for the love she felt and expressed to her family, friends, and those in need. To quote a dear friend of hers: “The world has lost a beautiful, bright light, generous to a fault and kindness personified.”

Judy is survived by her husband of 54 years, Dr. Taddy Barham, of Clinton, MS; daughter, Tracey Barham; son, Dr. Tad (Tammy) Barham; son, Dr. Brooks (Lori) Barham; grandchildren, Emma Barham and Lauren Barham; grandchildren, Avery Barham, Alex Barham, Ainsley Barham, and their mother, Karma Barham (all children and grandchildren of Madison, MS); sister, Norma (Norton) Barlow, of Utica, MS; niece, Tammy (Bobby) Skaggs, of Pearl, MS; nephew, Robbie (Gretchen) Barlow, of Learned, MS; and many other beloved relatives and friends. Judy was preceded in death by her parents, Juddie and Idelle O’Barr, of Houston, MS.

The family wishes to express their gratitude to the members of Holy Savior Catholic Church, Clinton, and First United Methodist Church, Clinton. Their love and care for Judy meant so much to her.

Visitation will be held Friday, February 17, 2017, from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at Parkway Funeral Home in Ridgeland, MS. A funeral service will be held Saturday, February 18, 2017, at 10:00 a.m., preceded by a visitation at 9:00 a.m., at Holy Savior Catholic Church in Clinton, MS.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Holy Savior Catholic Church, 714 Lindale Street, Clinton, MS 39056, or Community Animal Rescue and Adoption, Inc. (CARA), 960 N. Flag Chapel Road, Jackson, MS 39209.