Barbara Jean Swindell Dunn, known affectionally as “Mamaw,” age 78, of Sparta, went to her heavenly home, on Friday, July 19, 2024, after an extended illness. She passed at home surrounded by her family and friends who loved her dearly.
Barbara was born in White County, on April 19,1946, to Ralston Swindell and Gertrude Barnes Swindell. She was one of 11 children raised on meager means but with lots of love.
She married at the young age of 15 to the love of her life, Loyd, and they were married for almost 63 years.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her siblings, Birdie (Freeman) Gooch, Dallas (Edith) Swindell, Ruby (Merle) Marcum, Buford (Beverly) Swindell, Gerald Swindell, Mollie Clark, Wanda Faye Huston, Liz (Bob) Willson, a great-granddaughter Ryleigh Kruiz Seibers, and a brother-in-law, Tom Roberts.
Barbara is survived by her beloved husband, Loyd Dunn; son, Ricky (Kim) Dunn; daughters, Stacy Dunn and Sandy (Corey) Guy; grandsons, Chad (Hannah) Dunn; granddaughters, Tasha (Travis) Seibers, Keasha (Kyle) Winnett, Kinzie Guy ,and Landrie Guy; great-grandsons, Tucker Seibers and Ridge Martin Dunn; great-granddaughters, Remi Kate Seibers, Harper Leygh Winnett, and Parker Jay Dunn, and upcoming Presley Jean Dunn; sisters, Margie Roberts and Edna (Dean) Moland; brother-in-law, Allen “Tub” Huston; and a special niece who was more like a sister, Wanda Gribble.
With 10 siblings, she has a large number of nieces, nephews, great- nieces, and great-nephews. Many cousins also remain.
Barbara was Mamaw to more kids than we can list. If you ever came in her house, you left as one of her kids and with a full belly. She could feed an army in a matter of minutes and was famous for her fried chicken, fried potatoes, salmon patties, cornbread, and fried pies. She wouldn’t let anyone be sad for long. She would make you laugh or feed you to make you feel better. She would put you in line when it was needed or come pick you up if you needed a ride. She taught countless kids and adults how to swim and baby-sat many kids over the years. She was always up for a road trip, a yard sale, or a Goodwill run. She will be missed by everyone who was lucky enough to have known her, and to know her was to love her and be loved by her.
Funeral service was 1 p.m., July 22, at Hunter Funeral Home, with burial in Mt. Pisgah Cemetery. Bro. Doug Benningfield officiated.
Pallbearers were Gary Swindell, Billy Jones, John Evans, Ronnie Roberts, Russell Gooch, Perry Marcum, Jerry Marcum, and Michael Marcum.
Song: Take me Home- Jamie Johnson
Obituary read by Bobby Hickey
Song: I want to stroll over heaven with you- Alan Jackson
Funeral service by Bro. Doug Benningfield
Song: Mamaw’s house- Thomas Rhett
Songs playing during slide: Mamaw’s House-Thomas Rhett, Take me Home-Jamie Johnson, Angels Among Us-Alabama, Jordan’s Banks- Alabama, The Old Rugged Cross-George Jones, I’ll Fly Away-Allen Jackson.
Hunter Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
