Barbara Jean Kemp

She was the oldest of four children. Barb took on her role as big sister with love, pride and dedication; often stepping in to care for her siblings or buy gifts to help out.

Barbara married the love of her life, David Kemp, on June 22, 1958. She told David when they were dating " I'll be a good mom" and that sealed the deal for him. Together they built a beautiful life centered on service, love, and family. Being a mother was her greatest wish and joy and lived each day to bring love and support to her children.

Barbara lived in the United States until 1969 when she and her family moved to Margaree Valley, Nova Scotia, where her father was born. Margaree held a special place in her heart. She often called it “heaven on earth.” There she devoted herself to her family. Some of her favorite memories were of trips back to Nova Scotia to visit countless friends and family or in later years, time-shares which they generously invited others to join.

After 4 years in Margaree, she relocated to New Brunswick with her family to support her husband in his calling to the ministry. She worked alongside him, supporting her husband’s ministry and dedicating her time to leading children and youth activities within the church.

In 1980, Barbara and David returned to the United States, settling in Lakeland, Florida, where she continued to pour love and kindness into everyone she met. Her gentle spirit and compassion left an imprint on many lives. Barb worked a variety of jobs over the years, with her last and most cherished being a nanny for a special family. She loved and cared deeply for two special girls, Kate and Rachel. Mike, Joy, Kate and Rachel remained in touch with her and brought her great joy throughout her later years.

Barbara spent countless hours knitting and crocheting baby blankets which she gave as gifts or donated to those in need. She also spent many hours enjoying word puzzles. Mail and phone calls brought her joy each day. She lived every day as a reflection of her love for God.

She is survived by her husband of 67 years, David Kemp; son Edward Kemp; daughter Rhonda Slade; grandchildren Scott Farris, Daniel Farris, Ashley Slade (Jon), Steven Slade (Summer), and Logan Slade; great-grandson Jayden McKay; sisters Marcia Carter and Ginny Littlefield (late Bill Littlefield); brother Leonard Etheridge (Judy); and numerous nieces and nephews (Wayne Etheridge, Bruce Etheridge, Glenda Lee, Joey Nevelle, Bill Littlefield, Dan Littlefield, Allan Carter, Doug Carter, Leza Carter) who adored her.

She was preceded in death by her parents Wesley and Mary Etheridge, daughter Karen M. Farris, and brother-in-law’s Dick Carter and Bill Littlefield.

Barbara’s faith and selfless love were steadfast. Even in her last days when someone would come in the room, she would give them a smile and a "Hi Sweety" and when they would ask how she was she would say "Oh, I’m OK"

Our rock, example, friend, amazing wife and mother. She will be missed by all whose lives she touched.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Children’s Bible CBM, 160 Bear Lodge Dr., Townsend, TN 37882, or Leverage Ministries, PO Box 1533, Auburndale, FL 33823.

A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, November 4th at 1p.m. at Ott-Laughlin Funeral Home in Auburndale, Florida. The services will be livestreamed for those who can not attend in person. The link is https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82383773375?pwd=xecWnYBuXYB1Oar6hfCaH5S7aqxs6a.1__;!!M2D_dUfSiN4E!Nd9oaUKgw6RmNaTayFguPgB9O_NXcEJRZuvvL-dWVa-LSZXai8abdxLH6ED119QVtNSI8mqI83FG1rxN_bXHvIYfNG4$

The password for this is BJK1025.