Barbara Jean Thomas

Barbara was born in Chattanooga, TN July 5, 1942 and was a resident of East Ridge, TN. Her parents were A.J. & Nellie Davis and she was the oldest of 11 siblings. Barbara attended Kirkman and Red Bank High School and worked for 20 years for Pruett Food Town on Cherokee Boulevard. She and her husband Jim of 28 years later owned Heritage House Rare Coin and Jewelry in Rossville, GA. After retiring, they then owned Pappy’s Produce in Georgia.

Barbara was a devout Christian of the Baptist faith and attended Mountain Creek Baptist Church in her early years. She loved singing old hymns, working in her flower garden, cooking, reading, doing cross word puzzles, and loved her entire family dearly.

She is preceded in death by her husband, James Lee Thomas (2008). She is survived by her four children and their families: Forest Rider, Jr., Todd Rider (Sissy), Shane Rider, and Robin Shuptrine (Scott). Her beloved grandchildren are Trey Rider (Lindsay), Holly Anderson (Dane), Chase Rider (Cammie), Blakely Doremus (Joshua), Sarah Rider, and Ethan Rider. And blessed with many great grandchildren.

She loved being with her family especially at holidays and get togethers.

She went to taco Tuesday’s and hot dog roast with her neighbors and even called them all family, too.

A Celebration of Barbara’s Life will be held in the East Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home on Friday September 24, 2021 at 2:00 pm. The family will receive friends Thursday evening September 23, 2021 from 4-8pm. She will be laid to rest in the Chattanooga Memorial Park.

All expressions of sympathy, including flowers, honorary donations to the American Lung Association, and cards are welcome.

Thank you to Parkridge East Hospital and their medical staff, as well Hospice of Chattanooga, for diligently taking care of our mother Barbara and keeping her at peace throughout this difficult time.

She was a special lady full of kindness and love; she will be greatly missed by everyone who knew her.

Barbara wrote, “Miracles are all around, within our sight and touch and sound, proclaiming to all doubting men that in God all things live again.”

Arrangements are under the care of Chattanooga Funeral Home Crematory and Florist East Chapel, 404 South Moore Rd. East Ridge, TN 37412.

Please share your thoughts and memories at www.ChattanoogaEastChapel.com