Barbara Jean Saxton, 77, fought a nine month battle with Glioblastoma Multiforme with grace and dignity. She passed peacefully into the next realm on Saturday morning, October 24, 2020 at 5 a.m. with family by her side.

Barbara Jean, as her family called her, was born on March 22, 1943 to Clifford and Juanita Martin. She was welcomed by her sister, Leta Faye (J.T.) Terrell and her brother, Melton Ray (Dorothy) on whose birthday she passed. What a celebration they must have had in their heavenly reunion!

Barbara was born in rural Ferriday, Louisiana, home of Jerry Lee Lewis, Jimmy Swaggart and Mickey Gilley. She grew up in a small country house on “The Doty Road” where her parents tended a garden that produced so many vegetables that the grandchildren would eventually sit in the front yard shelling peas and other produce that kept the family fed.

Barbara Jean met the love of her life, Buddy Saxton, when they were children and their families were friends, but they wouldn’t marry until 1967. In 53 years, they raised two daughters, Robin (Michael) Sharpe and Lori (Robert) Landsberg, and beautiful brown eyed chihuahua Bella Jean. They were hands-on grandparents to Amanda, Shauna, Morgan, Reid, Ben, Katlyn, Hannah and Will and recently welcomed Great Grandson, Nolin. They loved their Mamaw.

B.J. also loved her many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and a slew of cousins, including close first cousins Carolyn Davis and MaryAnn Scott.

Barbara was a Headstart teacher in Louisiana and Tennessee. She and her family moved to the Nashville area in 1987 with Buddy’s job and fell in love with Music City USA.

Barbara sure did love a Gin and Tonic, playing Hand and Foot, drinking Margaritas with her neighbor, Barbara, Camping with her best friend since Jr. High, JayMay, Dancing, Gardening Reading and Laughing. But most of all, she loved her family fiercely.

Barbara will be remembered for her infectious smile, her laugh, her natural beauty and the softest skin you’ve ever felt. Everyone who met her felt as though she welcomed them into her heart. Her family absolutely adored her and will miss her immensely…until we meet again, our beautiful Boobra.