Barbara Joyce Sullins, aged 85, peacefully passed away at her home in Warrensburg on Tuesday, October 3.

Her family and friends invite you to celebrate her remarkable life at 11 a.m. on Saturday, October 14, at the Sweeney-Phillips & Holdren Funeral Home in Warrensburg, where Chaplain John Phillips will officiate. A visitation period will precede the service, starting at 10 a.m. Private interment arrangements will be held at a later date.

Barbara was born on March 10, 1938 on a farm outside Idlewild, Tennessee where she was known to friends and family as "Bobbie". Following her high school graduation, she moved to Memphis, Tennessee, to live with her big sister and brother-in-law. Her journey there led her to a job at the candy counter of Woolworth's. Little did she know that the manager who hired her was destined to be the love of her life. Three months later, Barbara and Vernon were wed, embarking on a lifelong journey together.

Vernon's career as a store manager led them on a winding path —from New Orleans to Vicksburg, Mississippi, St. Charles, Missouri, Olney, Illinois, Clarksdale, Mississippi, back to New Orleans, and ultimately to Chilhowee, Missouri, where they settled closer to Vernon's family.

Throughout her life, Barbara held several jobs, but she was widely recognized as the cherished "lunch lady" at Chilhowee School, a role she shared with her sister-in-law and best friend, Carolyn. They were known for their generous portions and made from scratch home cooking. After retiring in Warrensburg, Barbara and Vernon's home became a haven for friends and family of all ages. Guests visited nearly daily, and Barbara's warm hospitality extended to preparing meals and sending guests home with anything she felt would make them happy. She was known for her unwavering faith and the importance she placed on witnessing to others.

When asked recently how she wished to be remembered, Barbara humbly replied, "Being a parent for my four precious children." Her family will remember her greeting every morning by saying  "This is the day that the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it" and telling them that she loved them every day.

Barbara was reunited with her beloved husband of 58 years, Vernon Sullins, in Heaven. She was also preceded by her parents, LC James and Ethel James. She leaves behind her cherished legacy through her children: daughter Vickie (Steve) Rogers of Warrensburg, son Keith (Valerie) Sullins of Magnolia, Texas, daughter Susan (Jay) Johnson of Columbia, Missouri, and son John (Seth) Sullins of Columbia, Missouri.  She is also survived by her big sister, Martha Ann Hall, of Oakland, Tennessee. Barbara's memory lives on through her seven grandchildren (Jennifer, Megan, Stephen, Ben, Allie, Carly, Kylee), nieces, nephews and numerous great-grandchildren. Her precious companion, Mandy, her dog, will now find comfort in the care of family.

Barbara wanted to recognize her lifelong friends Mel and Carolyn Hoffman, her dear neighbors John and Linda Delaney, her family physician Dr. Amie Etters, and her beloved sister Martha Ann.

In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer donations be made in honor of Barbara Sullins to Good Shepherd Hospice. https://www.goodshepherdhospice.com/donationform/