Barbara Ann Jeffers

Barbara Ann Jeffers, age 76, of Knoxville, Tennessee passed away on Sunday, December 17, 2023. She was a Godly daughter, sister, mother, grandmother, friend and wife. Barbara was truly one of a kind with a heart for others and lived a life of service. She enjoyed working and retired from Sears and Roebuck and then from a second career with Knox County 911 as a call processor and Knoxville Fire Department dispatcher. She loved being with her family, spending sunny days at the beach, camping at the lake and spending endless hours making food for anyone who stopped by her kitchen.

Barbara was preceded in death by parents, William Fred Rice, Sr. and Ivan Jewel Gray Rice and brother, William Fred Rice, Jr. She is survived by her husband of 56 years; her childhood sweetheart, best friend, helpmeet, forever love and the one who completed her, Harold Jeffers; daughters, Jayma Jeffers-Branam (Joe) and Kimberley Douglas (Gary). Barbara was affectionately called “Ninnie” and cherished by the five boys who filled her heart with unparalleled love, joy and pride. She had special relationship with each grandson; Anthony Lieben, Jordan Craig (Hannah), Christopher Long, Caleb Branam and Joshua Craig. Barbara especially loved the sweet smiles and hugs from great granddaughters, Riley Craig and Olivia Craig. She is also survived by her first friend, second mother, sidekick, constant companion and loving caregiver, sister, Freida Riggs; brother-in-law, Lynn Jeffers (Rosa); sister-in-law, Kay Jeffers, special sister-in-law, Pat Rogers, several nieces and nephews.

There are so many who loved her but to be loved BY her was an immeasurable gift not to be taken lightly nor forgotten. When Barbara loved, she loved big, unconditionally, completely and forever. There was never a time she put her needs before the needs and happiness of those around her. Though Barbara showed love in countless ways there are a few memories we will cherish for all time. She loved through food and if she made her legendary biscuits and gravy for you, you not only tasted but also felt the love she prepared them with. Many have asked for the recipe and she freely gave it with a knowing smile. No one has mastered her biscuits because they were made with a special love that cannot be replicated. If you were lucky enough to be called “hers” you knew “I love you little, I love you big, I love you like a little pink pig” was her way of sharing a love like no other. Over the years we’ve all said “I love you more” and, in her wisdom she would smile, bat those baby blue eyes and say “Yes, but I’ve loved you more for longer.” We conceded- every time because we knew she was right. In all the ways we could love another, we can never equal how we’ve been loved.

Our lives are better just by being “hers” and although we know we’ll meet again in Heaven, here on Earth we will never be whole, complete or the same. There will be a void that can never be filled and with that reminder we will be thankful knowing we were loved well by the most beautiful soul. Isaiah 26:19 "But your dead will live, LORD; their bodies will rise-let those who dwell in the dust wake up and shout for joy- your dew is like the dew of the morning; the earth will give birth to her dead."

Family and friends will meet for a graveside service at Leach Cemetery 1030 New Clear Branch Road, Rocky Top, TN 37769 on December 21, 2023 at 1:00 PM.