Barbara Gillespie Jarrett

Barbara Jarrett was released from this life Oct. 30, 2014 after a short illness. She was preceded in death by her parents J.C. (Jesse) and Beulah Grant Gillespie, her beloved son, Charles Scott Jarrett; and her precious sister, Elizabeth (Libby) Gillespie Brinegar. She is survived by her dear sister, Martha McKune of Fish Hoek, South Africa; nephew and nieces Glenn McKune of Grantham, NH, Wendy Ashcroft and Samantha (Peter) Salter of South Africa, Lisa (Tom) Slagle of Knoxville, Barb (Phill) Burgess of Springfield, MO; her great nieces and nephews Lee-Ann Ashcroft, Lindy (Neil) Jeffery, Beau (Jennifer) Burgess, Woody Burgess, Jackson (Julia) Slagle; great, great nieces and nephews, Kayla, Kiran and Katelyn Jeffery and Myers Slagle and many wonderful friends. Born in 1925, Barbara grew up in Maryville and graduated from Maryville High School as valedictorian of her class. She earned both under graduate and graduate degrees from the University of Tennessee where she was a member of Alpha Omicron Pi Sorority and starred in many theatrical productions. She attended the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in NYC and performed at the renowned Barter Theatre in Abingdon, Virginia. Ms. Jarrett was a respected educator. She taught Social Studies and Language Arts in both Maryville Junior High and Maryville High School for many years. A longtime member St. Andrews Episcopal Church, Barbara served as the first female lector and was a lay Eucharistic minister and former vestry member. She was an avid traveler, crossword puzzler and reader. Her family will remember her with gratitude for her love and devotion to her sister, Libby, during her long illness. Barbara was a beloved daughter, sister, mother, aunt, teacher and friend. A memorial service is planned at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church at 314 W. Broadway, Maryville on Nov. 15 at 2:00 with Rev. Steve Mosher presiding. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Barbara's name to St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, 314 W. Broadway, Maryville, TN 37801.