Betty Ann Barnes Gilding of Apopka passed away on December 6, 2016. “Babs”, as she was called by many friends and family, was born October 30, 1947, in Columbia, South Carolina, the only child of Wilma Hensley Barnes and James Gayle Barnes. She spent most of her youth in the St. Petersburg/Clearwater area and then completed a bachelor’s degree at her mother’s alma mater, Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro, TN. The proximity to her mother’s family outside Chattanooga allowed her to maintain the extended family ties which had been forged in her childhood. She was greatly loved by her Tennessee grandparents as well as her uncles, aunts and cousins.
Following her mother into the teaching profession, she spent the next 39 years teaching elementary school in the Orlando area, the last 30 of which were at Dream Lake Elementary in Apopka. With her then-husband, Greg, she also raised two wonderful daughters, Deanna and Teresa, both of whom remained close to her throughout life and cared for her during the course of a long illness. She was a loving “Nana” to 6 grandchildren as well.
Never a person to sit still, Babs was busy in retirement, giving of herself to the many friendships she had cultivated over the years in school, in church, in her book club and in her Bunco group. The words her friends use to describe her is loyal and sweet.
Despite many health challenges over several years, Babs was never a complainer. She approached her illness with bravery and grace, inspiring her daughters and others to always have hope and never give in to self-pity.
Babs was predeceased by her parents and is survived by her daughters, Deanna Mallett (Jason) of Apopka and Teresa Young (Robert) of Tavares. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Robert II, Taylor and Alexys Young; Blake and Audrey Morris; Austin Mallett.
Friends are invited to a memorial at Northside Baptist Church, 413 West Welch Road in Apopka at 2:00 pm on Sunday, December 11. Expressions of sympathy may be received by Loomis Funeral Home.
Service
Graveside Service
Loomis Funeral Home Chapel
420 West Main Street Apopka 32712
10:30:00
Expression of Sympathy says
A SPATHIPHYLLUM was ordered on December 8, 2016
Melanie King says
Sandra Parcell says
I would like to express my sincere sympathy to Teresa and Deanna and the rest of the family.
Teresa you and Shannon were good friends growing up, and will never forget the laughter and fun you guys used to have . I enjoyed being able to be friends with your mom and will never forget how welcomed I felt in your home. Babs was always talking about you girls and really loved you. I am sure she had many good times with her grand
babies to. My heart goes out to you all. Hugs!!
Jennifer Cannon says
Jennifer Cannon says
Babs was a wonderful woman and an awesome friend to my mom, Sandy Floyd. I will miss our talks when we saw her and just her overall happiness of life.
I wish my condolences to her friends and family at this time. I am so sorry for your loss.
May God Bless you all and one day you will see her again.
Glenda says
Sharon Barnes says
I was privileged to work with Babs for a few years before she retired. What a sweet, gentle and caring teacher she was. My deepest sympathy to her family and friends.
Pat Norman says
Stephanie McGlothlin & family says
My family and I are blessed to know such a beautiful woman. Teresa, Deanna, I’m so sorry for your loss. Love to all of you.
Steph
Gayle Warren says