Barbara Jean White's Obituary
Barbara Jean White passed away unexpectedly on April 7, 2025. Her faith has become sight, and she is experiencing heaven. She has also been reunited with her love, Troy. Jean was born on November 30, 1944 to Calvin and Mae Bell Barton. She grew up surrounded by the love of her parents and 5 siblings. She graduated from Paris High School and earned an Associate’s Degree from Paris Junior College. Jean met Troy through family members, and they were married August 20, 1965. They welcomed their only daughter, Julie Amber White, into the world on July 27, 1976. Jean joined Troy working in education at Pine Tree Schools. She worked in the school library helping students for many years.
Jean was a kind and humble soul. She was so much like her own mother, who exhibited refined social graces and courtesy. She possessed a remarkably giving nature, and she loved well through service to others. Jean had energy for days, and few people could keep pace with her. She loved decorating, and she had an eye for making any space look better. Her presence made every space better. With each passing year, Jean's beauty deepened, and she only became more stunning and elegant. Jean was also loyal, almost to a fault. She did not take kindly to wrongs against her loved ones, and she likely did not forget any offense. Jean loved her people fiercely.
Jean loved her friends at Pine Tree Schools, especially her work bestie and library partner. She had several lifelong friends who became family, and they wrapped her in their arms after the loss of Troy. She eagerly awaited their regular gatherings and trips. Jean loved her brother and her sisters and embraced any opportunity for them to all be together. She loved being with extended family and enjoyed the blessing of a large close-knit family. She loved her son-in-law, Jason, and liked to say that she picked him out for Julie. Jean loved her only daughter, Julie. Words are incapable of describing her love and sacrificial devotion to Julie. They shared an unbreakable bond. Jean loved her grandchildren, Rylie and Tate. They were her greatest source of happiness. She lit up when she spoke of them. She treasured watching them do all the things they enjoyed. Jean eagerly awaited spending time with them. She loved every minute, from a shopping trip to a lunch date. There is nothing that she would not do for her “babies.”
Jean was blessed to have spent 57 years with the love of her life, Troy. She loved him deeply, and it was her joy to be his wife. Their selfless love for each other defined their marriage and their legacy, a testimony of their faith in Jesus. Jean’s heart broke beyond repair when Troy died three years ago. Her tears missing him are no more! She is free of the longing that she has experienced these last three years. She is now in the presence of our Lord and Savior. She is home.
Jean is survived by her daughter, Julie White Smith, son-in-law, Jason Smith, and grandchildren, Rylie and Ty Rucker, and Tate Smith. She also leaves behind her brother and sisters, Mary Lou Farmer, Janice Gooding, Morris Barton, Anna Morris, and Cathy Bailey. Her family and friends will miss her immensely. She is preceded in death by her parents, Calvin and Mae Bell Barton, and her husband, Troy White. Graveside services will be held at Lakeview Memorial Gardens on Friday, April 11, 2025 at 2 pm.
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