Barbara Kitchens Obituary

JOHNSON CITY - Barbara Ann Kitchens, 87, of Johnson City, Tennessee, passed away Saturday, February 24, 2024, to be with her friends and family.

She was born Barbara Ann Cain in Burns, Kansas, on October 16, 1937, to Thelma and Raymond Cain. Barbara lived the last 23 years in Johnson City. Prior to living in Tennessee, she spent a significant portion of her life living in Kansas. She married Bueford Gene Kitchens, now deceased, in 1959. She gave birth to her first son, Carl Gene Kitchens, now deceased, on October 22, 1960. Barbara graduated from St. Francis Hospital School of Nursing in Wichita, Kansas, on September 7, 1961. After graduating nursing school, she moved to Jenks, Oklahoma, and had two more children- Timothy Lee Kitchens, born July 9, 1962; and Tammy Lin Kitchens, born July 5, 1964. She spent the majority of her life working as a Registered Nurse and continued her caring nature even after retiring in 1997. Upon retirement, Barbara moved to Biloxi, Mississippi, to live with her daughter and son-in-law, Marvin Orio. There she took care of her granddaughter Leah Orio, who was just a year old at the time. She moved with the family to Memphis, Tennessee, 8 months after the birth of her second granddaughter, Sarena Orio. The family then moved to Johnson City in 2001.

While living in Johnson City, Barbara became involved with Boones Creek Christian Church. She attended the early service and Sunday school nearly every weekend and became a very active member of the church. She became close with many people through her service and participation in Widow to Widow and the quilting group- affectionately known as the "Quilting Ladies". She loved to quilt and help others finish their heirlooms. When she was not quilting, she enjoyed reading and staying active.

Barbara is survived by her children, Tim and Tammy Kitchens; her grandchildren, Devin and Savannah Fils-Aime, Leah and Sarena Orio; and her sister, Rosie Adamson.

There will be no services held, but the family would ask that you please raise a mug of hot chocolate, her favorite drink, in her honor. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family via www.morrisbaker.com

Morris-Baker Funeral Home, 2001 E Oakland Ave, Johnson City, is honored to serve the Kitchens family. (423) 282-1521