Mary Elizabeth "Ibby" Sturgeon Barton

Ibby was born on October 21, 1926 in Ft. Worth, Texas to Thomas Earl and Ruby Velma Sturgeon. A baby brother, Earl, came a couple of years later. They enjoyed growing up together in Shreveport, Louisiana. She graduated from C.E. Byrd High School in 1943, at sixteen. She met her future husband, the late William Bryan Barton, Jr at Abilene Christian College. They were married on August 11, 1946. “Dub” as he was lovingly known preceded her to heaven on December 13, 1995.

Ibby was a teacher in the Memphis City Schools for over 30 years at Sea Isle Elementary, Oakhaven High School, Douglas High School and finished her career at Melrose High School. Most of those years were spent as an American history teacher. She will always be remembered as an voracious reader, excellent cook, and a mother and grandmother beyond compare.

She leaves her precious memories to be cherished by her loving brother, Thomas Earl Sturgeon, Jr. of Houston, Texas, her son, John Bryan Barton, daughter, Laura Alison Bratton, daughter, Rebecca Ann Crites, daughter, Sylvia Jeanne Perry, nephew, Thomas Earl Sturgeon III, and niece, Sharon Sturgeon Bledsoe. Eleven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren are also proud to call her Ma-ma. Services will be held Saturday morning at 10:00 am at the Memory Hill Gardens Funeral Home in Bartlett, TN with visitation at 9 am and burial immediately following at the same location.

The family is asking that any memorials be given in her name to Belvedere Commons Assisted Living on 303 S. Royal Oaks Blvd. Franklin, TN 37064 where she was cared for graciously her last few years or Spring Hill Public Library 144 Kedron Pkwy Spring Hill, TN 37174.