Avis Eloise Barbra

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Avis (Granny) Barbra at the age of 88 on June 1, 2021 at Blount Memorial Hospital. Avis lived most of her 88 years in Maryville, Tennessee, moving in her later years to Loudon, Tennessee. Avis was a member of Valley View Free Will Baptist Church in Loudon, Tennessee. She lost the love of her life, her husband, Ray Barbra in February 1981 at the very young age of 49. Even though she was devastated, the love for her two boys and her family kept Avis passionate about her family for 40 more years. Avis was a precious mother, grandmother, great grandmother and friend to so many. She was happiest in her garden, her kitchen or at one of her many sewing machines. She would plant and grow the food, then cook and can it and give it away. Nothing made Avis smile any brighter than to feed anyone who came to see her and to send them home with several jars of canned food. Her jars of canned food were as beautiful as any picture. She turned her love for sewing into an alterations business called Stitch N’ Time which she operated in Maryville for several years. Preceded in death by: husband, Ray Barbra; parents, Lee Henry & Dixie Hutsell; brothers, Billy & Jimmy Hutsell; sisters, Mary Velma Hutsell & Rosie Boring. Survivors include: sons, Donnie Barbra (Debbie) and Ronnie Barbra (Anita); sisters, Shirley Stinnett, Joy Barbra (Clinton), Jean Dyer, Laverne Ferguson & Carol Godsey (Joe); grandchildren, Jeff Barbra, Adam Barbra, Mark Barbra, Matt Barbra, and Mandy Ward Barbra; great-grandchildren, Lake Barbra, Andrew Barbra, Emma Barbra, and Addy Barbra. Also survived by special friend, Jeff King and a host of nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends too numerous to mention. Family and friends will assemble for graveside service and interment at 11:00 AM, Saturday, June 5, 2021 at Grandview Cemetery with Daniel Fortman officiating. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to: Valley View Free Will Church Youth Group, 14792 Vonore Road, Loudon, TN 37774. Smith Funeral & Cremation Service, Maryville, 865-983-1000, www.SmithFuneralandCremation.com. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Avis Eloise Barbra please visit our Sympathy Store.