Barbara Ann Kearns, daughter of the late Ernest and Edith (Scarborough) Lawson, was born Sep. 23, 1946, in Hartville, and passed away Dec. 24, 2021, at her home in Hartville. She was 75 years, 3 months and 1 day of age. Barbara attended Mountain Grove High School through the 11th grade. She fell in love and married the love of her life, Norman Shannon, in 1961, when she was just 15 years old. Norman passed away from cancer, and she married Carl Amburgey in 1971. One daughter, Kelley, was born to this union. Barbara married John Kearns in 1972, and three children were born to this union, Jr., Wesley and Tonya. Barbara was a simple woman who loved drinking coffee, talking on the phone and spending time with her family. She always enjoyed going on trips with her sisters. She loved watching and spending time with her grandchildren. She had a special bond with her grandson, Holdyn, who would try to teach her how to surf the web and watch TikTok videos. Her family was so very important to her. Barbara also loved Elvis Presley and she collected Elvis memorabilia.
Besides her parents, Barbara was preceded in death by one daughter, Kelley Whittenburg; one granddaughter, Kayanna Whittenburg; one brother, Sammy Lawson; one infant sister, Vada Lawson; one brother-in-law, Bill Pasley; and a special nephew, Varian Sawyers. She is survived by three children, Jr. Kearns and his wife, Casey, of Hartville; Tonya Garson, of Norwood; and Wesley Kearns and his wife, Monica, of Willow Springs; eight brothers and sisters, Virginia Long and her husband, Vernon; Sharon Sawyers and her husband, Vernon; Larry Lawson and his wife, Connie; Linda Hicks and her husband, Jerry; Suzy Pasley; Vada Lawson; Sammy Lawson; and Noah Lawson; nine grandchildren, Rickey, Devin, Bryanna, RJ, Holdyn, Sommer, Jocelyn, Hudson and Weston; five great-grandchildren, Parker, Emmerson, Langston, Anniston and Lyric; and many nieces and nephews and extended family who will miss her. Visitation for Barbara Kearns was held Wednesday, Dec. 29, 2021, from 1-2 p.m. at Craig-Hurtt Funeral Home in Hartville. A graveside service followed the visitation at 2:30 p.m. at Bethel Cemetery, with Danny Cottengim officiating. Song selections were, “Hallelujah,” “Send Your Best Angel For My Momma” and “Go Rest High On That Mountain.” Pallbearers were RJ Cruz, Devin Garson, Rickey Garson, Jamie Hooker, John Hooker and TJ Pasley. Honorary pallbearers were Holdyn Chastain, Billy Pasley, Larry Lawson, Vernon Long, Vernon Sawyers and Dave Lawson. Burial was in Bethel Cemetery under the direction of Craig-Hurtt Funeral Home of Hartville. Memorial contributions may be made to Bethel Cemetery in care of the funeral home. Online condolences: www.craighurttfuneralhome.com.
