Robbie Barham died August 6, 2026 at the age of 90 in Tupelo, MS. Although she feared dementia all her life, when she ultimately received a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s, she faced it with remarkable grace and dignity.
There is much that can be said for Robbie. She was enormously talented and just as humble so the list is best kept to the things she loved best. She was passionate about gardening and Duke basketball — so much so that some of her ashes will find their way to Duke Gardens and a corner of Cameron Indoor Stadium. It is her wish that the rest be returned to North Carolina where she raised her family.
She was a strong woman whose strength was tested far too often. She was resilient and naturally funny. Her trademark wry humor was with her until the end.
She was married to Frank Barham for 45 years until his death in 2000. He was truly the love of her life. Together they raised two children. Robbie made sure they were afforded educational opportunities she dreamed of but that were unattainable for her despite being the valedictorian of her high school.
There will be no public service.
She will be sorely missed by those who loved her. She was predeceased by her husband Frank Barham and her son, Franklin Barham. Family members include her daughter, Laurie Barham (Marblehead, MA); siblings June McGehee (late of Thaxton, MS), Betty Bullard (Pontotoc, MS), Donald Winfield (late of Memphis, TN), Jack Winfield (Syracuse, NY), Glenda Brown (Pontotoc, MS) and Pat Brown (Pontotoc, MS). She is also survived by her daughter-in-law, Adriana Barham (Atlanta, GA).
The family requests remembrances go to Second Chances Rescue – Pontotoc MS, POB 165, Pontotoc, MS 38863 in honor of her deep love of animals, especially dogs. May she be reunited with her family members and many canine companions who blazed the trail to heaven before her.
