Barbara Jean Gabbard

Barbara Gabbard, age 82, of Tellico Plains, TN, passed away Sunday, December 25, 2022 at Blount Memorial Hospital with her husband of 57 ½ years and her daughter by her side.

She is preceded in death by parents, Johnnie and Ruby Collett Hendrix.

Barbara graduated from the University of Tennessee in 1960. She worked as a registered dietician in Cincinnati, Ohio, Peoria, Illinois and Monroe County, TN for many years. She was a full-time mother for her children in the years preceding their starting high school.

She loved babies, knitting and cooking. She also loved to travel, especially to oceans and beaches. Most of all she enjoyed watching her beloved Appalachian Mountains.

She is survived by her husband, Marvin Lee Gabbard of Tellico Plains, TN; daughter Trina Leigh Gabbard of South Carolina; sons, Wilson Gabbard and partner Brandy and Gavin Higgins all from Texas; sisters, Julia Phyllis Duck of Knoxville, TN; brothers, Johnnie Fredrick Hendrix of Jefferson City, TN and Joey Michael Hendrix of Tellico Plains, TN; granddaughter, Ruby Cassady Gabbard of Texas; and several nieces and nephews.

A celebration of her life by family and friends will be scheduled at a later date.  Myers Funeral Home of Tellico Plains is in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to Monroe County Rescue Squad PO Box 171 Madisonville, TN 37354 or to The Children’s Miracle Network support@cmnhospitals.org .