She knew her stuff. I had her in early 1972. That's all

Mrs. Elliott was a dear, dear friend of my father and I have many fond memories of listening to the two of them laughing and telling stories. They were rival coaches and both fiercely competitive but the respect and regard they had for one another transcended the debate rounds their students fought so hard to win. She will be sorely missed by all who knew and loved her. 

Ms. Elliott was a legendary debate and speech coach in Kentucky and one of our inaugural members of the Hall of Fame when it was created. We celebrate her life and mourn her passing. She touched many, many lives and is remembered by all of us who coach and teach students still.

This one hit really hard 😪 💔 😭

They tell you not to get attached, but how can you not when you are working with such loving, caring, and good people. She was a wonderful person inside and out & did so much good for our community & with Bullitt County public schools. I won't forget your kindness, advice, our great conversations, your sweet little Cooper, willingness to try and determination to keep going. 

Rest in Peace Barb ❤.  I enjoyed every single visit I had with you and won't forget you.

To Ms. E's family and friends, I'm copying my social media post from the day I heard about her passing. Thank you all for letting her be a part of our lives.

I was fortunate to have many fantastic teachers growing up and catch myself when I realize I am doing or saying something that Henry Powell, Charles David Summers and others taught me.  Not to lessen the impact of these two or the host of others but Barbara Elliott stands alone. She was the coach of our speech and debate team. 

Of course she helped hone my public speaking skills and I will be forever grateful for that but that team and the atmosphere she created meant so much more for me and so many others that found themselves in her orbit. Her room was a safe space before that became a polarizing phrase. A place where anyone could be themselves with no judgement. Where we treated one another with respect and she trusted teenagers in a way many adults never can.

So many of my memories of high school are tied up with that team. The afternoons practicing for the next tournament (or at least pretending to), the long bus trips all over the state to reach those tournaments, and waking up insanely early on other Saturdays to pick up and sell donuts around town to raise money for the team. I wore my first suit to go to tournaments. My closest friends from high school were part of that team and though I haven’t seen most of them in years, every time I do it is as if no time had passed. It was a friend from the team that encouraged me to consider college away from home partly through his own example. There are so many memories that this would become a novel if I started writing them all.

Growing up in a small town, you can have a limited horizon. Your worldview is shaped by the limited experiences close to home. Our speech trips weren’t just about the tournament, they were so much more. I had my first real Italian and French food on those trips. Though she probably didn’t know it (who am I kidding, I’m sure she did) I had my first real wine on one of those trips. She made sure we made the most of the opportunities presented to us and encouraged us to step outside our comfort zone.

Thank you Ms. Elliott for your part in making me the human I am today.

The Middlesboro High School Class of 1964 would like to extend our sympathy to the family of Barbara Elliott.  We loved her and know she will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.  You are in our prayers!

AVIS DE DÉCÈS

Barbara A. Elliott

12 novembre 1946 – 1 décembre 2021

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