Barbara Jean Eaves

Barbara J. Eaves, 86, of Benton, passed away peacefully on July 31, 2021, at a Spring City healthcare facility, surrounded by her loving family.

She was born on May 22, 1935, in Benton, Tennessee to the late, Rev. George and Hester Burnette Ward.  Throughout life, she spent her early days in the Oak Grove Community and formed many friendships that lasted her entire lifetime and became of the Baptist faith.  Ms. Barbara was a talented basketball player that enjoyed being on the court with the 1953 Polk County Wildkittens while in high school.  In her later days, she had a great love for watching and listening to the Gaither Vocal Band.  When the Gaither’s weren’t on TV, Law & Order and Dog the Bounty Hunter would be.  Nana, as most of her family knew her as, was one of her proudest titles and she enjoyed spending time with each of them and will certainly be missed.

In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by her beloved husband, Mr. Bill Eaves; siblings, Willadean Maynor and Vance Ward; nephews, Johnny Maynor, Roy Maynor, and Jackie Maynor; daughter-in-law, Donna Eaves; son-in-law, Don Kirkland.

Survivors include her beloved children, Debbie Eaves Kirkland and Rodney (Cindy) Eaves; grandchildren, Kristan (Ronnie) Ledford, Grant (Liz) Kirkland, Lindsey (Stephen) Cox, Maddie (Zachary) Dale, and Patti Frazier; fourteen great-grandchildren and five great-great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Johnnie Sue Hicks.  Many nieces, nephews, and a host of friends also survive.

A Celebration of Life service will be conducted at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 4, 2021, in the chapel of Higgins Funeral Home with Rev. Shaun McCoig officiating.  Graveside service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, August 5, 2021, at Brock Cemetery.

Her family will receive friends from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, prior to the service at the funeral home.

Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family www.HigginsFuneral.com.

Arrangements are by Higgins Funeral Home of Benton.