Barbara Jean Swindell Dunn, known affectionally as "Mamaw", age 78 of Sparta, went to her heavenly home on Friday, July 19, 2024, after an extended illness. She passed at home surrounded by her family and friends who loved her dearly. Barbara was born in White County on April 19,1946 to Ralston Swindell and Gertrude Barnes Swindell. She was one of 11 children raised on meager means but with lots of love. She married at the young age of 15 to the love of her life Loyd and they were married for almost 63 years. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her siblings Birdie (Freeman) Gooch, Dallas (Edith) Swindell, Ruby (Merle) Marcum, Buford (Beverly) Swindell, Gerald Swindell, Mollie Clark, Wanda Faye Huston, Liz (Bob) Willson, a great granddaughter Ryleigh Kruiz Seibers, and a Brother-in-law Tom Roberts.

Barbara is survived by her beloved husband of 62 years Loyd Dunn.

Son: Ricky (Kim) Dunn

Daughters: Stacy Dunn and Sandy (Corey) Guy

Grandson: Chad (Hannah) Dunn

Granddaughters: Tasha (Travis) Seibers, Keasha (Kyle) Winnett, Kinzie Guy and Landrie Guy

Great-Grandsons: Tucker Seibers and Ridge Martin Dunn

Great-Granddaughters: Remi Kate Seibers, Harper Leygh Winnett and Parker Jay Dunn, and upcoming Presley Jean Dunn

Sisters: Margie Roberts and Edna (Dean) Moland

Brother-in-law: Allen "Tub" Huston

A special niece who was more like a sister: Wanda Gribble

With 10 siblings she has a large host of nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews and many cousins remain.

Barbara was Mamaw to more kids than we can list. If you ever came in her house, you left as one of her kids and with a full belly. She could feed an army in a matter of minutes and was famous for her fried chicken, fried potatoes, salmon patties, cornbread and fried pies. She wouldn't let anyone be sad for long she would make you laugh or feed to make you feel better, she would put you in line when it was needed or come pick you up if you needed a ride. She taught countless kids and adults how to swim and baby-sat many kids over the years. She was always up for a road trip, a yard sale or a Goodwill run. She will be missed by everyone who was lucky enough to have known her and to know her was to love her and be loved by her.

Funeral service will be held Monday, July 22 at 1 pm in the Chapel of Hunter Funeral Home with burial at Mt. Pisgah Cemetery. Family will receive friends on Sunday, July 21 from 4-8 at Hunter Funeral Home. Bro. Doug Benningfield will officiate.

Gary Swindell, Billy Jones, John Evans, Ronnie Roberts, Russell Gooch, Perry Marcum, Jerry Marcum and Michael Marcum will serve the family as pallbearers.