Barbara Jean Rutledge Howard

Gray, TN- Barbara Jean Rutledge Howard, age 64, went to be with the Lord on Saturday, October 25, 2014 at Johnson City Medical Center. She was born to the late William Preston Rutledge and Lona Grace Roark Rutledge on July 13, 1950. She was a devout Christian lady who was an inspiration to all who knew her. Barbara Jean is survived by her loving and devoted husband of 44 years, William “Bill” Howard; son, Billy Wayne Howard and wife Heather of Plainfield, IN; a very special sister, Joann Tester and husband Mike of Bristol, VA; four brothers: Jimmy Haley and wife Kathy of Salem, VA; Jimmy Rutledge and wife Ann of Winston-Salem, NC; Don Haley and wife Mary of Bluff City, TN; and Jackie Haley of Bristol, TN; three grandchildren, Brayden, Caleb, and Anthony Howard; special niece, Diann Lockner; and numerous additional nieces and nephews. Visitation will be from 10:00-11:00 a.m. Tuesday, October 28, 2014 at the Forest Hills Chapel of Farris Funeral Service, 19415 Lee Highway, Abingdon, VA 24210. A funeral ceremony will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday at the Forest Hills Chapel with the Reverend Jerry A. Eggers officiating. Interment will follow in Forest Hills Memory Gardens where Allen Hurley, Ricky Hurley, Kyle Lockner, Lynn Rutledge, and Mike Tester will serve as pallbearers. The family would like to extend a special thanks to the nurses and staff of the 2700 Ward of Johnson City Medical Center, Dr. Forrest Swan, Jr., and her many special friends. Those wishing to express sympathy online may do so by visiting www.farrisfuneralservice.com and signing the online guestbook. The family of Barbara Jean Rutledge Howard is being cared for by Farris Cremation and Funeral Center, 19415 Lee Highway, Abingdon, VA 24210 (276-623-2700).