Barbara Jean East

Mrs. Barbara Jean East, age 81, of Shepherdsville, KY, entered eternal life on Wednesday, October 15, 2025. Mrs. East was born in Georgetown, KY on June 16, 1944, to the late Robert Willoughby and Virginia Lucille Willoughby.

She leaves to cherish her memory, her loving husband, James Allen East; children, Robert East (Debi) and Teresa East (Steve); grandchildren, Justin East (Brittany), Laura Stucker (Jason), Mary East, Sarah East, David Laws, Rachel Laws, Shane East (Joanna) and Emily East; great-grandchildren, Alissa, Connor, Maggie, Jackson, Abigail, Frejya and Demi; great-grandcats, Freddie and Porty and a host of other dear family and friends.

Barbara was a devoted wife of 63 years to James. They married in 1963 and met in high school. The two were inseparable and loved each other throughout their lives together, sharing the joys and challenges of marriage and parenthood.

She was a mom who prioritized family and patiently guided her children from birth into adulthood, offering advice and support as needed. She was patient and polite but spoke her mind when circumstances required it. Her children appreciated her warmth and humor, which shaped their lives and relationships through the years.

She was everyone’s nana. That included her grandchildren and great-grandchildren as well as the children of others she encountered. She was sweet and kind to all children, and they adored spending time with her.

Barbara loved the outdoors and nature, though she sometimes battled squirrels that raided her birdfeeder. Also, cats that prayed on bunnies were chastised for their behavior. Walks in the woods and trails brought her joy and peace, and her travels around the complex where she lived resulted in introductions to many of her neighbors.

Schoppenhorst, Underwood and Brooks Funeral Home has been entrusted with her arrangements.