Barbara J. Newbern, age 83, of Smyrna, Tennessee passed away on Wednesday, December 15, 2021. Mrs. Newbern was born in Nashville, Tennessee on June 29, 1938 to parents, Grady and Olene (Walden) McGowan.
Mrs. Newbern was a life-long member of Meads Chapel Church of Christ. For much of her career she was an office assistant for C. B. Ragland, a wholesale grocer. Living life to its fullest, she had many interests including travel, sewing, and cardinals. Growing-up in a home where she was one of seven children, her family was always at the top of her list. In later years she was considered the matriarch of the family and was passionate about her time spent with family.
Mrs. Newbern is preceded in death by her parents, Grady and Olene (Walden) McGowan; her loving husband Tom Newbern; brothers Rayburn McGowan, Doyle McGowan, Dillard McGowan; sisters Gwendolyn Cates and Fauneil McGowan.
Mrs. Newbern is survived by sister Benita Briggs, her grandchildren, and many loving nieces and nephews, grand nieces and nephews, and great grandnieces and nephews. She will be sorely missed.
There will be a Gathering of Family and Friends for Mrs. Newbern on Saturday, December 18, 2021 from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM and on Sunday, December 19, 2021 from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM. A Celebration of Life will begin in the Tulip Grove Room at the funeral home at 2:00 PM with David Hayes Prophater, officiating. Following the Celebration of Life, Mrs. Newbern will be laid to rest in the Garden of Memories Mausoleum at Hermitage Memorial Gardens.
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