Barbarah Josephine Owens

Barbarah Josephine Owens {nee Varnes} passed away peacefully on August 30, 2025 at the age of 84. She is survived by her son Clay Owens (Rebecca) of Greenville, SC, sister Dixie Richey of Florida, Brother Clifford Varnes (Wanda) of Knoxville, TN along with adoring grandchildren, nieces, nephews and oodles of friends. She is preceded in death by her husband of 65 years, Henry Clay Owens Jr., father Emmett Warren Varnes, mother Frances Josephine Varnes {nee Smith} and Brother Emmett Warren Varnes Jr.

Barbarah was born on November 29, 1940 in Chattanooga, TN to Emmett Warren Varnes and Frances Josephine Varnes {nee Smith}. She graduated Central High School in 1958, married Henry Clay Owens Jr. on April 16, 1959 and gave birth to their only son a few years later. Barbarah managed the accounting for Henry’s businesses while being an endlessly devoted wife, doting mother (and mother-in-law), loving sister and loyal friend. She poured her love, energy and patience into the needs of her family and serving the Lord. She was a true and authentic Christian, and if she laid her hands on you in prayer, you’d be overcome with emotion, warmth and a lifted spirit. Barbarah never met a stranger and left a lasting impression on everyone in her path. Her listening ear was available day or night. Barbarah was a beautiful piano player with a lovely voice. She had a zest for life and all things social and could never have been accused of breaking up the party.

Mom, as a mother, you were grace, love, patience and fun. You always made us feel heard and important. You showed me, and all that knew you, that Love is an action verb. You were the calm in a storm and the master protector of your peace… no one could ruffle your feathers. Even the unexpected teen house party incited little more than a finger-wag and a garbage bag. Moto riders would flock to you at the races to get your special Thermos of hot tea and a hug. Barbarah, Barb, Barbarah Jo, Mom, Mamaw… we will miss your “Hey Doll’”, your radiant smile, your easy laughter. Thank you for teaching us what it is to be truly accepting of all people, showing us how to love without expectation, to give energy to the people and things that matter most, for caring less about time and schedules and more about being present and listening, that being “Affable” is one of the hardest traits to master and the importance of Being Still in a world that pushes for perpetual motion. Heaven finally has their angel to man the gates.