Barbara (Marcia) Brown Skyrms, cherished mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and dear friend to many, passed peacefully at home surrounded by her loving family on New Year’s Day. She was welcomed into Heaven by her Lord and Savior, her parents, her loving husband Ed, and many friends from the “Greatest Generation.” In her 101 years, she left a lasting legacy and an indelible impression of grace on all who knew her.
Barbara was a special Christmas gift to Ernest and Mildred (Andrews) Brown in 1921. A life-long Tampa resident, she attended Roosevelt Elementary and Wilson Middle School, graduating from Plant High School in 1939. She received a B.S. Degree, cum laude at Florida State College for Women (FSU) in 1943, where she was a member of Kappa Delta Sorority and served in student government.
She married the love of her life, Lt. Edward R. Skyrms, in 1946. Ed was a WWII Army Air Corps pilot stationed at Drew Field after flying B-17 combat missions in Europe. Ed and Barbara raised four children: Connie (Jim) Wilson, Deborah Skyrms, Susan (Chris) Anderson and Kent (Lynn) Skyrms. They were blessed with eight grandchildren: Darren, Russell, Josh and Cooper Wilson, Kenny and Stephen Anderson, Beth Ann (Skyrms) Prickett and Brian Skyrms, and 14 great-grandchildren. Barbara was a constant presence in their lives, whether celebrating their important milestones or attending a little league game.
Always the perfect hostess, Barbara graciously welcomed family, friends, and strangers with a warm meal and comforting smile. Her home was a haven for those who sought comfort and direction. She listened and encouraged each with grace according to their needs. She visited family wherever they were, reminding them they were richly loved and in a safe place with her.
Barbara had a big heart, serving her church and community causes well into her 90’s. She volunteered many hours for the Salvation Army and the Chiselers. She was a life-long member of Hyde Park Presbyterian, where she served as an elder, and worshipped in the churches of her children, adding new friends who recognized what a treasure she was.
There were many special beach vacations with plenty of food and love, collecting shells with grandchildren, and welcoming guests as family. Barbara supported Ed’s love of flying and boating, serving as his “Chief Navigator” and “First Mate” on their outings with friends. There were memorable vacations to Europe, the Caribbean and the Carolinas with friends. Wherever she went, she lifted the spirits of others, always giving of herself.
Our family is extremely grateful to caregivers Luanda, Gail, and Maria (to name a few) who tended to Barbara’s needs at all hours, and for her nurse, Christy, who sensitively and with great affection, comforted us in our time of loss.
The family will mourn Barbara’s passing in a private service, with a festive Celebration of Life to be announced at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be given to the Mission Fund of Hyde Park Presbyterian, The Salvation Army, Metropolitan Ministries, Life Path Hospice, or any charity of choice that supports the “least of these” and shares the Greatest Hope, now fulfilled for Barbara.
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