OBITUARY: Barbara Tuttle Richardson

Barbara “Babs” Tuttle Richardson passed away peacefully on February 9, surrounded by her family. Babs lived graciously and shared her heart gladly. She cultivated beauty in all aspects of her life, closely abiding by God’s calling.

Babs was born on October 28, 1954 in Morristown, Tennessee to Elizabeth “Betty Ann” and Dr. James “Buddy” Richardson, and welcomed by beloved big brother, Jim. She graduated from Morristown-Hamblen West High School and went on to study Marketing and Merchandising at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, where she was a proud sister of Alpha Delta Pi. She spent many years as a buyer for Castner-Knott and Proffitt’s department stores before opening her own women’s boutique, Betsy and Babs, in Knoxville in 1997. She especially cherished her buying trips to New York and Atlanta with her cousin, Ruth Tuttle Guerra.

Babs had a tender heart for strays. She rescued many adored companions over the years, Tippy, Kitty Kat, and Buddy amongst others.

Her love of hospitality and family traditions inspired her to collect recipes and author her cookbook series, Gracious Living. Known for her green thumb and vast gardening knowledge, Babs spent hours cultivating beauty in her garden to share with her community.

For more than 40 years, Babs was an active parishioner of the Episcopal Church of the Ascension in Knoxville. She sang in the choir and served in various vestry and ministry roles. After moving to Columbia to be closer to her brother and his family, she became a dedicated parishioner of Saint Peter’s Episcopal Church. She loved and was loved by her fellow Daughters of the King.

Babs was preceded in death by her parents, Dr. James W. Richardson Sr. and Elizabeth Ann Tuttle Richardson, and her namesake and dear aunt, Barbara Tuttle Hale (William M), as well as other aunts and uncles. She is survived by her brother, Dr. James W. Richardson Jr. (Peggy); nieces Emily Richardson, Connie Deidiker (Nick), Katherine Richardson, and great-niece Grace Deidiker. She is also survived by first cousins who were like siblings: William T. Hale (Barbara), Michael Hale (Sandy), Thomas Hale (Terri), David Hale (Wendy), Robert Hale (Erika Solberg), Ruth Tuttle Guerra (JJ), Richard Tuttle (Tammy) and their respective children.

A memorial service honoring her life will be held on Saturday, February 14, with a 1:00 PM gathering hosted by the Daughters of the King in the Parish Hall, followed by a 2:00 PM service at Saint Peter’s Episcopal Church. Additionally, a graveside service for family and friends will be held at Emma Jarnagin Cemetery in Morristown, TN on Sunday, February 22 at 3:00PM.

The Richardson family sincerely appreciates the kind care Babs received from numerous doctors, nurses, and staff at Maury Regional Hospital.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the FISH Hospitality Pantry, c/o The Church of the Ascension (122 West Scott Avenue, Knoxville, TN) or The Holy Comforter Chapter, Daughters of the King c/o Saint Peter’s Episcopal Church (311 W. 7th Columbia, TN).

For more obituaries visit our obituaries page.

This obituary was published by Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home – Columbia.

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