Barbara was born on February 26, 1944 to Lawrence and Edna Mae Bean in Columbia, MS and immediately brought joy and laughter into a war torn world. Barbara went on to graduate from West Marion High School in 1962 where she was voted as Miss West Marion High School by her classmates. After graduating from high school, Barbara was married and then went on to pursue an education in nursing being a graduate of the last class of the Gilfoy School of Nursing in Jackson, MS. Barbara also earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from William Carey College.
Barbara was a devoted, conscientious nurse and following the example of her mother enjoyed a long, successful career providing care to others in need.
Barbara, affectionately known to many as “Gurn”, was the mother of two children, Donna Lynn Lowe Ratliff and Greg Lowe, and a loving grandmother to her four grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.
Barbara was a loving and devoted mom to her children, sacrificing much while raising them to love the Lord and preparing them for life. She loved her family, especially doting on the grandchildren and great-grandchildren. The hole left by Gurn’s absence is immense and impossible to fill.
Barbara was predeceased by her mother, Edna Mae Bean; father, Lawrence Bean; and son-in-law, Kerry G. Ratliff. She is survived by her daughter, Donna Lynn Ratliff; her son, Greg Lowe and wife, Joy; four grandchildren, Haley Miller (Jason), Mitch Lowe (Ren), Daniel Lowe (Ashlyn), and Olivia Lowe; eight great-grandchildren, Jasey Miller, Lane Miller, Jaxson Miller, Deacon Lowe, Claire Lowe, Archer Lowe, Grayson Lowe, and Mary Violet Lowe; and siblings, Linda Price, Larry Bean, Martin Bean (Judy), Bonnie Bean, and Ronnie Bean (Jeannie).
Family will receive friends Wednesday, March 22, 2023 from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM at Colonial Funeral Home in Columbia. The funeral service will be conducted at 1:00 PM on Thursday, March 23, 2023 at the funeral home where friends may visit from 12:00 PM until service time. Reverend David Currie will officiate and burial will follow at Foxworth Cemetery assisted by Mitch Lowe, Daniel Lowe, Jason Miller, Danny Price, Keith Sullivan, and Phil Whitehead as pallbearers.
