She was born in Akron, Ohio in 1944 to Walter and Sarah Barton, who gave her the love of golf and all things food. Barbara attended Cuyahoga Falls High School before studying education at The University of Alabama. She later received her Master’s of Science in Education from Wayne State University.
Barbara met the love of her life, Randy while attending a Hope Church social event. Eager to start their new lives together, the two were married in Marblehead, Massachusetts in 2006.
Barbara had two loving children in a previous marriage with Skip Ames. Their daughter Kristen passed away in 2016 and their son Jeff in a winemaker in Napa, California. She had a special relationship with Kristen’s husband Rick Melton.
While Barbara loved traveling the world and playing golf, she treasured her role as a grandparent the most. She loved being “Mommo” and “Nanny” and is survived by her granddaughters Hannah, Sarah Cate, and Kaley. She adored her stepchildren Scott and Kim and their children Elizabeth, Caroline, and Cameron. Barbara treated all of her dogs throughout the years (Bogie, Abbey, Bella) as valuable family members.
Working in education for over four decades, Barbara was passionate about her role as an educator within Shelby County Schools and Christian Brothers University. From her positions as a teacher, principal, board administrator, and adjunct professor she made a difference in the lives of people of all ages.
Barbara was an active member of Germantown Presbyterian Church, the Germantown Women’s Club, and her monthly book club. She made volunteering throughout the community a priority and never met a stranger. Barbara had the ability to make everyone feel important.
A visitation for Barbara will be held Friday, December 1, 2023 from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Germantown Presbyterian Church, 2363 S Germantown Rd, Germantown, TN 38138. A memorial service will occur Saturday, December 2, 2023, at 2:00 PM at Germantown Presbyterian Church.
Online condolences, directions and floral offerings may be found through www.memphisfuneralpoplar.com.
