Martha Jean Barber

Martha Jean Barber, age 81 of Paris, TN, died Wednesday, August 14, 2024, at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, TN.

She retired after many years from Kroger in Paris. She enjoyed flowers, gardening, and cooking for her family. Martha Jean loved her family and loved & centered her life around her church. She was a charter member of New Harmony Baptist Church in Paris. 

Jean was born April 19, 1943, in Trenton, TN, to the late Jerry D. Martin and the late Iva Dean King Martin.

She was married February 6, 1959, to Robert Earl Barber, who preceded her in death on June 23, 2022.

She is survived by her daughter, Teresa Barber White of Chattanooga, TN; her sons, Kenny (Tabby) Barber of Springville, TN, and Jimmy (Amy) Martin of Buchanan, TN; two brothers, Roger (Denise) Martin of Milan, TN, and James (Amanda) Martin of Jackson, TN; four grandchildren, Matthew (LaBrina) Frantom of Chattanooga, TN, Summer (John) Weiss of Chattanooga, TN, Taylor Henry of Milan, TN, and Tara Barber of Chattanooga, TN; six great grandchildren, Lyla Grace Weiss, Jax Weiss, Truett Frantom, Lanora Frantom, Levi Henry, and Charlotte Henry. 

In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by two brothers, Jerry Martin and Terry Martin.

Arrangements are being handled by Ridgeway Funeral Home, 201 Dunlap Street/PO Box 788, Paris, TN 38242. The body is to be cremated. Memorial visitation will be Saturday, August 24, 2024, from 11:00 am – 1:00 pm at New Harmony Baptist Church, 7050 Highway 69 S, Paris, TN 38242, with the memorial service beginning at 1:00 pm at New Harmony Baptist Church with Bro. Howard Kitter officiating.

Burial of cremains will be in Poplar Grove Cemetery in Springville, TN. 

To honor her volunteering spirit in helping others, memorials may be made to Gideon’s International – Henry County Camp, PO Box 583, Paris, TN 38242 or to Samaritan’s Purse, PO Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607 or at www.samaritanspurse.org