Barbara Ann Jett, 89, passed away March 1, 2025, at Maple Street Cottage, in Hendersonville, where she had been a resident for two years. She was the first daughter of Wilbur and Lena Belle Howell Saylors, of Sparta, and the wife of Charles Beverly Jett.
Barbara was born and raised in Sparta, along with her five siblings. She was a graduate of White County High School and enjoyed her time as a Sparta Warrior High School cheerleader. She married her high school sweetheart, Charles Beverly Jett, on June 12, 1953. They moved to Cookeville, and she worked for Tennessee Tech University supporting her husband as he completed his studies there.
The Jetts eventually moved to Tullahoma where they raised three children. As devoted Christians, they placed membership at Bel-Aire Church of Christ, now known as Cedar Lane Church. She enjoyed attending the ladies' Bible Studies classes and the ladies' luncheons, helping in the benevolence room, and occasionally enjoying a good Bible debate. She loved the Cedar Lane Church family and formed lifelong relationships with a group of women known as the “Golden Girls,” traveling with them often and enjoying their friendship. Her life was centered around service to others, and her acts of kindness were seen by many.
Barbara had several jobs in her life, showing love and supporting her family was more important than any job she could ever have. She loved her husband dearly and would do anything for him, as well as her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She encouraged her family to live the best life they could, by loving God and showing kindness to others. She was always available to help physically, which she did often, but it was her God given gift to listen. Her entire family knew they could count on her to listen to their troubles and would not have to wait too long for her great advice. Her time on earth will always be treasured by everyone that loved her, but there is great comfort in knowing that she is now with her Heavenly Father forever.
In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by a brother, Donald Saylors, and a son-in-law, Kent Edward Hutson.
She is survived by her children, Tonya A. Thompson and husband Rick, Beverly Denise Richardson and husband Phil, Charles Gregory Jett and wife Suzanne; eight grandchildren, Charles Tyler Pannell, Brittany A.Temples and husband Travis, Audrey B. Gibson and husband Kayne, Mallory L. Lepoutre and husband Paul, Hunter O. Jett, Conner G. Jett, Sarah A. Jett, Dylan C. Jett and wife Morgan; eight great-grandchildren, Owen Temples, Josie Temples, Will Gibson, Knox Gibson, Ethan Lepoutre, Ellie Lepoutre, Dawson Jett, Conley Jett; and her siblings, Kathy Cope, Sherry Eble and husband David, Fran Sutton, and Phillip Saylors and wife Ann.
A memorial service will be 11 a.m., March 8, 2025, at Collegeside Church of Christ, in Cookeville. There will be no formal visitation prior to the service.
Hunter Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
