Barbara Dean (Johnson) Meadows

In loving memory of Barbara Dean Meadows.

October 11, 1937 - March 22, 2023

An Angel: On March 22, 2023, Barbara Dean Meadows claimed her rightful place as one of the heavenly angels she cherished and admired throughout her life on earth. After an exciting day with her Quilting Club, playing bingo, having her hair done, and spreading joy through fellowship, she peacefully laid her head down to prepare for her greatest journey.

Daughter, Sister, and Friend: Born on October 11, 1937, in Cleveland, TN. She was the only daughter of Hughie and Ruby (Varnell) Johnson. The survival instincts that would help her throughout her life were gained as she maneuvered childhood and attempted to keep her four precocious brothers in line. Her childhood was remembered fondly as she would often share stories of growing up in East Tennessee, the friends she adored, her tightknit family, and the passion she had for church and Jesus.

Wife: A charming fella and friend of her brother broke through her tough exterior and won her heart. G.E. (George) Meadows made her a wife on January 11, 1955 - just before he was deployed to Germany to fulfill his duty with the U.S. Army. Their love continued to grow even with the distance through frequent letters, cards, and pictures keeping them connected. He was the love of her life, while also being the biggest pain in her backside. They were perfect together.

Mother to her own: Having children was one of the greatest joys of her life - Tammy Layne (November 1959), followed by Kerry Dale (June 1963) and Joey Dean (July 1969). As a mother, she was able to share the goodness in her heart and raise her three children with unconditional love. She believed that her priority was always the children. One philosophy she repeated often was, "The time with my babies is limited, the dishes will always need to be done."

Barbara showed amazing strength and commitment to her faith as she embraced the family and lead them through the tragic loss of Kerry at a young age, her mother's long fight with Alzheimer's, G.E.'s battle with cancer, and Tammy's journey of beating cancer once and then intense efforts to beat the disease again. She was the rock and the light that allowed the family to move forward, always reminding them that their suffering is over, and we will all be reunited in Heaven.

Mother to all: Barbara never had much, but somehow, she always had enough for anyone who needed - especially if that was a need for a mother's love. Whether it be friends of the children, family, church or even a stranger - she was always a mother to all. When Tammy (Mike Waddell) and Joey (Tenna Dobbs) found their soulmates, Barbara truly believed that she gained children. She never referred to the two as "in laws" - they were her son and daughter and shared it with all that would listen. Both Mike and Tenna will quickly reinforce that the feeling was reciprocated.

Grandmother and Gammie: Perhaps she was at her best when she graduated from mother to grandmother - well Grandma to be exact. BJ, Kevin, Brandy, Michael, and Kasey named her the undisputed "World's Greatest Grandma." She showed her grandchildren unconditional love, taught them to be curious and brave, and while they were with her - they were the most important person in the world. As her grandchildren grew older and started their families, she embraced Lori (Herndon), Robin (Echols), David (Heard), Chelsea (Cooper), and Dalton (Keys) as her new grandkids.

She continued this legacy with her great grandchildren. McKenzie, Caroline, Ansley, Lulu, Ryder, Drake, Tucker, and Karsyn allowed her to spread her light as Gammie. Not only did these children get to experience her love, but they also got to experience the love and admiration their parents and grandparents have for her as well.

Bringer of Joy: Barbara stayed busy working in schools, daycares, baking cakes, and as an active member of the Order of the Eastern Star. No matter her position in life she strived to help people and inject goodness and joy wherever she could. Many people remember her as the lovely lady working at multiple Revco/CVS stores in Alpharetta and Cumming. She would always greet you with a smile and made sure every person she came across knew they were important to her.

The next time you see a redbird outside your window, or a beautiful flower catches your eye, find peace in knowing that Barbara is sending you, her love. Then deliberately take a moment to share your love with someone and make them feel like the most important person in the world.

Services will be held at McDonald & Son Funeral Home in Cumming, GA.

Visitation: McDonald & Son Funeral Home

Sunday, March 26, 2023, 2:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Monday, March 27, 2023, 9:00 am - 10:30 am

Service: McDonald & Son Funeral Home

Monday, March 27, 2023, 11:00 am

Graveside: White Chapel Memorial Gardens