Barbara Jean Hutchings Raper passed away Sept. 12, 2025, at her home, surrounded by her family.
Barbara was born in the old White County Hospital, on Feb. 26, 1953.
As a young child, her family lived in a holler, in Hickory Valley. Shortly thereafter, the Hutchings family moved to the Greenwood community where Barbara stayed until graduating White County High School, in 1971.
Barbara had many passions. Live music was one of those passions. Barbara and Ben have seen Paul Simon, The Eagles, and the Rolling Stones, just to name a few.
Barbara enjoyed all the local talent in the Upper Cumberland area. She loved to dance with her friends, and she had many friends. Barbara loved watching Tennessee Tech basketball, ice hockey, and baseball - those were her favorites. She also enjoyed bowling and pickleball, but LORDY, LORDY could she ever cook fried chicken.
As a final note, Barbara’s circle of friends was huge, so if you knew her, you loved her, and she loved you. She was one of a kind and will be missed by many.
Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, Erby and Estelle Hutchings and a brother, James Hutchings.
Barbara is survived by her husband of 24 years, Bennie Raper; sons, Greg Brock, Levi (Mandy) Raper, Erik Raper, Kirk (Hilary) Raper; a sister, Shirley (James) Hickey; a brother Don (Peggy) Hutchings; and grandchildren, Lydia, Lizzy, Camilla, Judah, and Olive.
Special thanks to her favorite sister-in-law, Levonda Hallums, for all her help the last three months.
Memorial donations may be made in Barbara’s memory to
Turning Point USA online at donate.tpusa.com.
Funeral service was 4 p.m., Sept. 14, 2025, at Oak Lawn Funeral Home. Tracy Curtis officiated.
Oak Lawn Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
