Barbara Ann Bearer, 65, passed away in Puyallup, Washington on April 2, 2024 after a brief and unexpected illness. Barbara was born in Savannah, Georgia on January 28, 1959 to James and Barbara Bearer. Due to her father's military service with the Air Force, Barbara was able to live in various locations during her childhood - including Turkey, Japan, Alaska, and Texas - before eventually settling back down in Georgia.  She was valedictorian of her graduating class from Tompkins High School where she also served as the yearbook editor.  She graduated from Georgia Southern College with a bachelor's degree in finance and worked her entire adult life in various bookkeeping positions. She retired in 2020 and became the full-time caregiver for her mother, whom she lived with and loved dearly. During her retirement, Barbara enjoyed being able to spend more quality time with family, watch more football, and receive more cuddles from her favorite fur babies: Max, Bob, and Moe.

Though she never married or had children of her own, Barbara would be the first to tell you that her greatest joy in life came from her involvement in helping raise her niece Katherine and great-nephew Shaun. She was extremely proud of both of them and never missed an opportunity to express her love for them. Barbara also took great pride in the role she played in the lives of many special children and youth at Woodlawn Baptist Church (Garden City, Georgia) through her involvement in youth activities and the Upward Basketball program, where she was a tireless and dependable volunteer for many years. As both a Woodlawn member and volunteer church treasurer, she became "Aunt Boo Boo" to many and treasured those relationships forged in the church.

Barbara was predeceased by her father. James. She is survived by her mother, Barbara, her sister, Linda (Mark), her niece, Katherine (Shaun) and great-nephew Shaun II. Her passing was sudden and difficult to comprehend, and she is missed immensely by her family and friends. But there is great comfort in the knowledge that she is now free of pain and resting in the arms of the Lord.  In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Barbara's name to a charity of your choice.

The memorial service to honor her life will be on Friday, December 6, 2024 at 11 a.m. in the chapel of the Thomas C. Strickland & Sons Funeral Home - WEST CHATHAM CHAPEL - 901 West Highway 80, Pooler, Georgia.