Geraldine Faye Barber, 77, was born on December 31, 1946 in Stantonville, TN and departed this earth on Sunday, September 1, 2024 at Maplewood Health and Rehabilitation Center in Jackson, TN.
Geraldine was preceded in death by her parents Murray Frank Barber and Bonnie Mae Plunk Barber; her brother, Murray Frank Barber, Jr.; sister-in-law, Linda Barber; nephew, Randy Barber; and great nephew, Chad Barber.
Geraldine was the youngest of five children and is survived by her sisters Melba Maylene Barber of Statonville, TN and Delores Barber Scarborough (Truman) of Grenada, MS; her brother, Neal Ray Barber of Jackson, TN and sister-in-law Dean Barber of Powder Springs, GA. Although Geraldine had no children of her own, she had nieces and nephews that adored her including: Keith Barber (Ann), Dallas, GA; Phil Barber (Deanna), Kennesaw, GA; Stephen Barber (Dru), Acworth, GA; Michelle Barber Reasons (Larry), Hohenwald, TN; Melanie Barber Melton (Brandon), Jackson, TN; Jay Feeley (Namiko), Kyoto, Japan; Shawna Feeley (Stephen Wayne), Bristol, TN; Brendan Feeley (Mende), Dallas, GA; Aletha Scarborough Simpson (Gilbert), Scobey, MS; and Hannah Scarborough Ferguson, Coffeeville, MS.
Geraldine was employed by McNairy County Schools as a fourth grade teacher for 19 years and as a guidance counselor for 21 years. She was the first elementary guidance counselor employed by McNairy County Schools. As the district elementary guidance counselor, Ms. Barber served all of the McNairy County Schools with the majority of her educational career spent at Selmer Elementary as a teacher and Adamsville Elementary as the guidance counselor.
Geraldine was a member of West Shiloh Baptist Church where she enjoyed serving as GA leader, Associational GA leader, Vacation Bible School teacher and Sunday School teacher. She fondly enjoyed her experience on a mission trip to Lima, Peru where she served with the Lily of the Valley Church. She was a devoted member of the Order of the Eastern Star. She was also a member of a variety of professional education organizations.
Geraldine graduated from Adamsville High School. She received a Bachelor’s Degree from Bethel College, a Master’s Degree and an advanced graduate degree from the University of TN Martin Branch. Ms. Barber valued education by following in the footsteps of her father.
Geraldine was dearly loved by her siblings who could always count on her for frequent visits and encouraging words. She valued spending time with her family and was in attendance at all family events, especially the Barber family reunion held in September at Pickwick.
Geraldine continued to live in the family, farm home with her sister, Maylene. Their sisterly bond was unique and extremely special. Maylene was present when Geraldine took her first and her final breath. Her brother, Neal Ray has been the devoted brother to her always but especially through her recent illness. These siblings, along with Delores, look forward to nightly phone calls for catching up with all things including Wheel of Fortune. Her family could count on her to send a birthday card each year without fail. She will be missed by her family including her great nieces and nephews, cousins, friends, and neighbors.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, September 7 at West Shiloh Baptist Church, located at 282 West Shiloh Baptist Church Road, Stantonville, TN. Visitation will be held from 1-3 pm with the service at 3 pm. Interment will follow the service at the church cemetery. Reverend Truman Scarborough and Reverend Steve Littleton will officiate. Memorials may be made to West Shiloh Baptist Church. Pallbearers are Keith Barber, Phil Barber, Steven Barber, Brendan Feeley, Blake Melton and Austin Melton
