Barbara Mc Afee McCauley

Barbara Sandberg McAfee McCauley, Age 87, of Oak Ridge, TN passed away peacefully on December 9, 2016, at the NHC Healthcare Center in Oak Ridge. Barbara was born in Knoxville to the late Thomas and Anna Ruth Sandberg. She was raised in Knoxville and Johnson City, and graduated from Knoxville High School in 1947. Barbara was preceded in death by her son David McAfee, whom she took care of for over 55 years. Barbara was devoted to ensuring that David lived life to the fullest extent possible despite his Downs Syndrome handicap. Her sister, Betty Ruth Fielden, also proceeded her in death.

Barbara attended Church Street Methodist Church where she was active in the Murphy Builder’s Sunday School Class. She was a member of Akima for many years where she participated in the chorus and several of their performances. She was previously employed by South Central Bell, the Census Bureau, and Fort Sanders Hospital. She and her family traveled throughout the USA and visited 49 of the 50 states. She also enjoyed traveling abroad. Barbara enjoyed the many friendships she developed playing bridge, bowling, following the UT Lady Vols, and partying whenever the occasion arose.

Barbara is survived by her loving husband of 24 years, Lowell L. McCauley; her son, James McAfee (Linda Coker) of Knoxville, TN; son Jeff McAfee of Knoxville, TN; daughter, Michelle Haynes (Todd) of Crestwood, KY, grandchildren Taylor, Whitney, and Christian Haynes and her two sisters Joan Ratledge of Knoxville, TN and Dorothy Hoose of Atlanta, GA. Barbara had numerous nieces and nephews that include Carol Harmon, Kristi Francavilla, Richard Ratledge, Elaine Sitzlar, Kevin Fielden, Cheryl Berrier, Donna, Julie, and Derek Hoose. She is also survived by her stepchildren Cynthia Eubanks, Lowell McCauley, Jr. (Barbara), Meridith McCauley (Johnny); their children: Adrian Eubanks (Jennifer), Marcie Greene (Stephen), Lauren Smallwood (Stewart), Lowell III, Brittany, and Victoria McCauley; Elena, Olivia, and Michelle Sleiman; and her four special great-grandchildren: Cooper Eubanks, Jack Green, and Hannah and Percy Smallwood. Her great-grandchildren brought her much joy over the past five years.

Barbara’s family thanks the staff at the NHC Healthcare Center in Oak Ridge for faithfully caring for her since April 2013, and the staff of Caris Hospice who cared for her the last few months. They are especially grateful to the many parishioners of St. Stephens who regularly visited her to make it possible to take communion and to bring her beautiful flowers.

The family will receive friends on Friday, December 16, 2016 from 1:00 – 2:00 at Highland Memorial Funeral Home, 5315 Kingston Pike with a memorial service officiated by Father David Lovett to follow at 2:00 PM. Graveside services will be held at 4:00 PM in the Memorial Garden at St. Stephens Episcopal Church, 212 N. Tulane Avenue, Oak Ridge with a reception in the parish hall to follow. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial donations be made in memory of Barbara and David to the Emory Valley Center Expansion Program, 715 Emory Valley Road, Oak Ridge, TN 37830.