Barbara Jean Barnette

Barbara Jean (Hyatt) Barnette was born on December 2, 1932 in Chattanooga, TN to Robert and Belma Belcher. She lived in Chattanooga, TN the first 20 years of her life. Jean and her sisters, Betty and Sarah, were raised by their mother Belma on Greenbriar Lane.

Jean married Edward Hyatt on April 29, 1950. He joined the Air Force early in the marriage. Jean wanted a large family and was blessed with four children. Their travels with the Air Force resulted in a different birthplace for each child. Edward was born in Chattanooga, TN, Teresa in Waco, TX, Monica in Newfoundland, Canada and Scott in Omaha, NB. Homestead AFB near Miami was the next stop for the family of 6 for a couple of years. They transferred to MacDill AFB in Tampa where the Hyatts settled down on Elm Street for over 30 years.

Ed served in Korea and Vietnam, leaving Jean to hold down the fort at home. Jean was a practical person who employed diligence, common sense, and a great sense of humor to get through life. She did not shy away from hard work. She was employed as a housekeeper, waitress, lunchroom lady, factory worker, retail clerk, and finally in the accounts payable department of Celotex (Jim Walter Corporation). She thrived in her role at Celotex and was inspired to obtain her GED.

Of all her roles, her most cherished titles revolved around her family. She loved being a wife and mother, and eventually grandmother and great-grandmother, too. Her greatest joys came from family.

Jean and Ed’s plan for retirement came to fruition when they sold the family home, purchased a fifth wheel trailer and became full-time RVers. They traveled the US and enjoyed many adventures.

Jean was not one to sit idle. Being a busy mom suited her and even in retirement she took on small jobs, volunteered and enjoyed many hobbies. She loved to crochet, read, craft, do puzzles, color, and play games, especially Bingo. She walked daily and took part in exercise classes at RV camps and her ALF. She loved to sing and was in a band for a while with other retirees. She enjoyed nature and the simple side of life.

After Ed passed away in 1999, Jean lived in Clermont, FL where she met a recent widower, Clifford Barnette. They married and were fortunate to have a wonderful second chapter in their lives. They were married 20 years, living about half the time in Clermont, eventually moving to Saucier, MS to be near his sons.

In November 2019, Jean moved back to Florida. She moved into an assisted living facility. After being the caretaker for her family for so many years, living at the ALF was a carefree time for Jean. She acclimated to the living situation quickly, being very social and engaging in most activities offered at the facility. She never lost her wonderful sense of humor, charm, and quick wit. While living at the ALF she received two marriage proposals and an offer to run away to The Villages.

Barbara Jean is preceded in death by husbands, Edward Hyatt and Clifford Barnette, daughter Teresa Hyatt Scott, sisters Sarah Huey and Betty Paige. She is survived by her children, Edward Hyatt (Emily), Monica Didden (Dan), and Scott Hyatt (Becky), her grandchildren, Andrea Hyatt, Josh Hyatt (Lisa), Lindsey Hyatt (Steven), Jennifer Nix (Chris), James Didden (Emeri), Maddie Clark (Joseph), Megan Hyatt, great grandchildren, Zoe, Gabrielle, Christopher, Isabel, Joseph, Jaxson, Roman and Ryker, several nieces and nephews and their children.

The family cherishes memories of warm chats, her giddy excitement, and her love of tiny things and all things purple. We are grateful for her unconditional love and guidance. We are left inspired by her positivity, joyful outlook on life, and ability to see the good in everything. May her soul rest in the peace she so deserves.